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01/28/2003 Entry: "Taxes"
Last night it was my tax return that kept me from the blog. But it got done, and with a bit of luck I haven't made any mistakes and they'll accept my calculation of what I owe them. I can't say I had any sense of joy filling in the form, and writing out the cheque didn't give me much satisfaction either.
Tonight in our church Bible study we were looking at "the Law". It struck me again as we read just how much of that code is to do with the care of the stranger, the poor, the widow and the orphan. That care is a duty placed on the Israelites because God had been compassionate to them. They were led to safety when they were foreigners; now it is their task to show care to the strangers who live amongst them.
As we read tonight, I thought about my tax return and that duty of care. How else, but through our taxes, is a society today able to provide shelter and security to those who have no means of their own? How else, but through our taxes, do we provide access to justice for those who cannot pay for it themselves? How else, but through our taxes, can we offer medical facilities and education to all regardless of their ability to pay?I'd never have guessed that reading Exodus and Leviticus would make me glad I've done my tax return. But it has.
Replies:
You're right that there is a warning against taking a king, but there are also clear statements that the King is God's agent, annointed by him, and given the task of administering his justice. Part of the task is the care and protection of the weak and oppressed. It's that role that I think government properly takes today. Since government is a human institution it will never be perfect, but and will often use my tax money in ways i don't approve of. But that doesn't take anything away from my basic point that the things I mentioned are part of the duty of government.
Posted by Richard @ 01/30/2003 01:34 PM CST
"How else, but through our taxes" you ask. Have you ever considered that the Church might provide these things through the tithes and offerings?
Israel was created as a nation who's King was God. The concept of having earthly rulers to whom the country submits (which has led to our form of government) came from the pagan nations. God warned Israel against it. In that nation the church worried about such things.
And not only is you money being taken off you to provide things you think are OK, but also to provide things you don't think are OK, like abortions and schools that teach children that God doesn't exist, and to support the "celebration" of unnatural lifestyles. (And in the current climate, to pay for wars you may not support).
Consider what could be done if individual churches had this money and could use it for Godly purposes to help people whom they personally know are genuinely in need!
Posted by Adrian @ 01/30/2003 02:14 AM CST
I recall vividly the day I paid my first property tax. I spent the day rejoicing, knowing full well some of it would be mishandled. But I knew that I was fulfilling my civil responsibility as a citizen in my specific area and it felt good. Canada has some of the highest taxes in the world, and part of that obligation and responsibility is to hold our civil servants accountable for where it goes. Good post. Blog on!
Posted by Bene Diction @ 01/29/2003 03:45 PM CST
I shudder when I look at my own uncharitable attitudes at times. My lack of grace to others. Taxes and government are one way of addressing these issues but we need to look at ourselves and our attitudes as well. Often we can help but we close our eyes to needs around us.
I also shudder when I look at our government's handling of such things as refugees and pensions.(Australia) Sure, there are those who aren't genuine refugees, and there are those who cheat the government with pensions. Is that any reason to be as hard on all?Shalom, Jan
Posted by Jan @ 01/29/2003 01:09 AM CST
