TAX TIME: AREN'T WE LUCKY!? David Stevenson / April 17, 2022
Some people may think by reading the title of this article that, “David, you’ve lost your mind – I hate taxes.” And for most of us this is true. I don’t know very many people that enjoy paying their taxes every year, but we know it has to be done. So, when April 15th comes along every year, we usually don’t like that date. However, what the title of the article has reference to, is the fact that the government has given us a few more days to file our taxes on time or to get those extensions (which has its own interesting aspects).
You see, Tax Day, April 15th, falls on April 18th this year because Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington marking the end of slavery in the District of Columbia, will be observed on April 15th this year. Therefore, the Internal Revenue Service's District of Columbia offices will be closed on Friday, April 15th, in observance of the locally recognized Emancipation Day, which gives everyone until April 18th to get those taxes filed orextens ions recorded by the IRS.
Now aren’t you excited?! I am sure that whether you anticipate a refund or whether you owe more taxes to the government will make a difference as to your outlook of this time of year. So, with "tax time" just around the corner (tomorrow in fact) and many thoughts go to the unhappy job of filing those form 1040 (and/or other related forms) to pay your federal income taxes (and even have state income taxes to file), I thought we could use a bit of humor and encouragement during this time of year.
As you read the following article (whose author is not known to me), let us all be glad that the IRS cannot tax the many priceless possessions we have in Christ Jesus:
TAX EXEMPTIONS
A tax auditor came many years ago to a poor servant of the Lord to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay.
"What property do you possess?" asked the auditor.
"I am very wealthy," replied the Christian.
"List your possessions, please," the auditor instructed.
"First, I have everlasting life (John 3:16). Second, I have a mansion in heaven (John 14:2,3). Third, I have peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Fourth, I have joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). Fifth, I have divine love that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Sixth, I have a faithful wife (Proverbs 31:10). Seventh, I have healthy, happy, obedient children (Exodus 20:12). Eighth,I have true, loyal friends (Proverbs 18:24). Ninth, I have songs in the night (Psalms 42:8). Tenth, I have a crown of life (James 1:12). Eleventh, I have a God who supplies all my need (Philippians 4:19). Lastly, I have been blessed with all spiritual blessings inheavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3)."
The tax auditor closed his book and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation!"
Author Unknown
As Christians, we are to submit ourselves to the powers that be and obey the laws of the land as long as they do not contradict God's law (see Romans 13:1-2 and Acts 5:28). And although, to many of us, taxes are a task which we dread and do not like very much, it is still a process of life in America. In fact, you might recall that even Jesus paid "taxes" Himself (see Matthew 22:21). Let us also remember that as Christians we must submit to do the will of God. In doing so we need to be laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). And let us ever be thankful to the Lord for all His bounty (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Have a great week, and God bless you all!
