For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. — Romans 13:6

Ouch! Taxes are awful. But I have to admit that I like a lot of the things that those taxes pay for. Paul tells us in Romans 13 that God uses civil authorities to stop chaos, lawlessness, and anarchy. As a Christian, I don’t have to follow most laws because my faith in Jesus will control how I act much more than any law. But Paul says I have a duty (I “owe” it) to be a good citizen, a good steward of my money, a nice, respectful neighbor, and a person who gladly honors those who deserve it.

 

Thought

Ouch! Taxes are awful. But I have to admit that I like a lot of the things that those taxes pay for. Paul tells us in Romans 13 that God uses civil authorities to stop chaos, lawlessness, and anarchy. As a Christian, I don’t have to follow most laws because my faith in Jesus will control how I act much more than any law. But Paul says I have a duty (I “owe” it) to be a good citizen, a good steward of my money, a nice, respectful neighbor, and a person who gladly honors those who deserve it.

 

Prayer

I hereby swear allegiance to you, O Mighty God. You are the only one who possesses these titles. I pledge to live today in a way that respects my allegiance to you, my citizenship in my country, and my respect for those I come into contact with today because you call me to honor my government, because you have so richly blessed me to be in a place like this, and because you have showered your grace on me so richly. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.