When the Government Bleeds Us Dry

I have two vehicles which are completely paid for. So when I moved from AL to LA, I wasn't expecting a huge SALES TAX on my vehicles. Evidently, I paid 4% tax in AL on my cars, so Mandeville, LA, has an 8% tax. According to their books, I owe them the difference (another 4% sales tax) on an item I bought in another state. I thought of a few choice words when I discovered this, such as "extortion," "corruption," "unfair," and "you've gotta be kidding."

But then I remembered something my Lord taught years ago. He was approached by the Pharisees, who asked:

Matthew 22:17-21
17 "Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?"
18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?
19 "Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius.
20 And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"
21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."

God expects me to pay taxes! I am subordinate to this government. Paul wrote in Romans 13:5-7: "Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." We teach the principles of submission all the time. When it comes time to LIVE the principles we realize why they had to be taught - because sometimes it's just not easy.

Of course, I'd be cool if the government would STOP bleeding us dry. But until then, I'll pay what I owe.

God bless,
Nathan

REMEMBER: Tomorrow's reading is LUKE 1