Monday, April 4, 2011

RENDER UNTO CAESAR

It’s my favorite time of year again – TAX TIME!

Grrr…

Yes, we have a CPA who puts all our information together for us in a nice, digitally acceptable form. He answers any questions we have. And I’m grateful for that. But the last time I checked, he does NOT come to the house and find all the stuff.

Several years ago, "The Hub" convinced me to get a filing cabinetand actually use it. (If you remember, he’s the garage-cleaning, put away your stuff, hang up your clothes neatnik that I live with…)

It’s been a lifesaver – really.

But, there’s still a year’s-worth of stuff to dig out.

And then there’s the compiling, and writing, and adding, and subtracting (a lot of that going on these days) – all to make a nice, neat little pile for our CPA.

I hate it.

So, I’ve procrastinated just as long as I possibly can without losing any more sleep.

This weekend it was TIME.

So, like a beleaguered hound dog (not a blissfully happy beagle, mind you) – I slunk into the other room – the CABINET chambers – and started the work.

Drudgery – thy name is me.

"The Hub" was helpful. He brought me something to eat and drink from time to time. He reminded me to go to the bathroom. He said a very nice "Good night" to the top of my head last night…

And finally, late Sunday afternoon, I’m done – I think.

Only one more last-second "checking" mission – just to make sure I’ve got everything in its right place.

Because, you see, from my earliest memory my dad has struck fear into my heart about the IRS.

I think it stands for I REALLY SEE [you] –

So, I’m meticulously honest. Not just out of fear, but because it’s the right thing to do…(OK, it’s a little fear, just sayin’).

As I finished, I was reminded of a confrontation that took place between Jesus and some people sent out by the Pharisees. Their intention was to trap Him…

But Jesus is so very clever.

"Teacher," they said, "we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

Oh, so very sly.

Butter Jesus up with some compliments, while hiding the knife behind your back…

But Jesus knew their evil motives.

You see, the Jews were required to pay taxes to support the Roman government. They hated this, because the money went directly into Caesar’s treasury. So, if Jesus said they should pay taxes, He could be called a traitor to their nation and their religion. If He said they should not, He could be reported to the Roman government as a rebel.

Catch-22…unless you’re Jesus.

"You hypocrites!" He said. "Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax…Whose picture and title is stamped on it?"

"Caesar’s," they replied.

"Well, then," He said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

End…of…discussion.

I wonder what Matthew, the former tax collector, thought of this little exchange!

Jesus made the wonderful point that we have dual citizenship. Our citizenship in our nation requires that we pay taxes – whether we like it or not, I might add! However, as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must pledge our ultimate obedience and commitment to God.

So, I must render unto Caesar what is due Caesar.

It is because of my citizenship in God’s Kingdom, because of my obedience to God, that I do this. Because He has called me to righteousness, and honesty, and integrity, and humility. He has called me to do the right thing, even when it hurts…

But, always and forever, my ultimate allegiance belongs to Him.

Have you done your taxes yet?!?


P.S. Um, God? It’s OK if You want to send a refund my way…


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

9 comments:

  1. I knew that was what you were doing. So tell me, did you get the "Ahhhh" feeling of being able to check it off your list and wonder yet again why you had procrastinated?

    So like you to turn it into God stuff.

    Yep. Render unto Ceasar that which is Ceasars, but really... the most important part comes next. Render unto GOD that which is God's.

    I love that you do both.

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  2. Yes, and it was the same picture here in my office a few weeks ago. I wonder why we pay a CPA... HE sould be paying ME! I've already done the work when it goes to him!

    So yes... I am rendering to Ceasar and giving him our coins!

    Cuz HE said so! :)

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  3. Not quite finish but I'm getting there.

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  4. I always thought it was neat how the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus and how he eluded them every time because he could see through them and their "trickery".

    I remember reading this Scripture the day we got our taxes done a few years ago; it helped when we had to pay taxes that year, LOL

    nope, haven't done ours yet, maybe next week :)

    hope you get a refund!!

    betty

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  5. Good luck on your taxes - yes we have done them - got our Federal back, but waiting for the state.

    Hope you get some back.

    Sandie

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  6. I am so thankful for my dual citizenship, too! As for taxes? Well, though we have to pay them, I'm praising God that He has loaned us the money to do so (with no interest...and we don't have to pay Him back!)

    Living for Him, Joan

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  7. That was a classic, Sharon! Especially after being up all hours of the night and working through the next day, you still had lots of humor left! I think that is one of the things I like most about reading your stories.
    You reel the reader in with a great hook (just like you are supposed to--forgive the hanging preposition). Then you hit him/her with the punch line.
    Our dual citizenship--that's what motivates us to pay our taxes. And a little helping of the fear of jails!
    Not at all dry. Refreshing as ever.

    Blessings,
    Janis

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  8. Hi Sharon -

    Our Lord is a GOD of order...

    Prayer:
    Lord, please help us to be do things decently and in order, according to Your Word.

    Help us, please to administer and to demonstrate that which is wise and reasonable - without complaining. To You, Lord, be the glory - Amen.

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  9. Debbie - Yes, yes, yes! You have described it perfectly! The procrastination, and then the wonderful relief, and then the quick kick in the pants for not having done it sooner! Stop it - you cannot know me that well. I also have a hard time with giving God what is His - mostly that means letting Him have control...over everything.

    Sonja - Oh, you know it!! I think I have the CPA as a back-up. Part of the deal is he talks to the "authorities" if anyone has a problem with our return - that's worth something to me, for sure!! Coins to Caesar, but hearts to God!

    Wanda - Hang in there, my friend. You still have some time. I think someone told me we actually have until the 18th this April? Great, for me that just meant more time to stall!!

    Betty - At this point, I'll be happy if we don't owe anything! Yes, I also love how Jesus so wisely used His words, His stories, His intelligence to outsmart the religious authorities. And yet, how humble He was when it finally came time to give Himself over to them.

    Sandie - So, what's the plans for the refunds?? A new outfit, a fancy dinner, another knee??

    Joan - Good point! We're actually just giving back something that was given to us in the first place! I am also thrilled at the heavenly treasure we can store up, and that can NEVER be taken away!

    Janis - Thank you for your very kind comment. I so appreciate it. As for taxes, a little fear is probably a good thing. Just like we should fearfully worship our awesome God! The IRS has power, but I would not want anyone to have to experience the wrath of God!

    Sandra - Yes, order is God-ordained. And paying taxes is part of keeping order in our country. So, we do our duty. I love your prayer. To administer and to demonstrate that which is wise and reasonable. Loved how that was worded.

    GOD BLESS! And may your taxes be on the slim side of $$$ :)

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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