Answers
By BGEA Admin • January 30, 2014 • Topics: Money
Q:
Last weekend, my husband started getting his tax records together, and like every other year, he's figuring out ways to cheat on his taxes. He says the government would only waste the money anyway, but I've told him that doesn't make it right. Am I being too picky?
A:
No, you aren’t being too picky, and as tax season approaches, I hope your letter will encourage others to be honest and resist the temptation to cheat on their taxes.
The Roman Empire of Jesus’ day had its problems with inefficiency and corruption, and it often didn’t meet the needs of its citizens and subjects. In addition, its army occupied the land of Jesus’ birth, often in an oppressive way. And yet Jesus told His disciples that they still had a responsibility to pay their taxes. When asked if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, He responded, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17).
If we cheat on our taxes, we aren’t only keeping money that isn’t rightfully ours, but we’re also making it harder for the government to carry out its responsibilities. If we disagree with its policies, we have the responsibility to voice our opinions, especially at the ballot box. The Bible says, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).
I hope you’ll encourage your husband to be honest as he prepares his taxes this year. But most of all, I pray that you both will put Christ at the center of your lives. Don’t let anything — including greed, covetousness or money — control your lives, but put Christ and His will first in all things.
Read today’s devotional from Billy Graham:
January 30: Use Your Time Wisely
Read more on this topic:
Have you cheated on your taxes? Get an answer from Billy Graham.
