|
Home
Archive
January
December
November
Comments
and/or Questions
|
Friday, January
11, 2008
Paying More than Lip Service
1 Timothy 1:8-10 But we know that the law
is good, if a man use it lawfully; (9) Knowing this, that the law is not
made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the
ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers
and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (10) For whoremongers, for them
that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for
perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound
doctrine; (KJV)
The laws of our land are put in place to
protect us and keep an order to our society. For every transgression there
are consequences and God has ordained our military, police and other law
enforcement bureaus to maintain this order for all of our benefit. I am
grateful for the jobs they do and would much rather see dangerous criminals
locked up instead of roaming loose and preying on our society. That is why
as Christians we are the ones that should be setting the example by our
deeds and not just cheap lip service. So rather than run and hide when it
comes time to pay our fair share concerning taxes to keep these services
going, the people of God especially should be the ones leading by example.
After all I don’t see many ministers today who are not shy about putting
their hand out and literally demanding it from their flocks with their
guilt trips and pity party sermons about how much more they could do if
they had more money. We should be living by a higher standard which
includes ‘putting your money where your mouth is’.
Mark 12:13-17 And they send unto him
certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
(14) And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou
art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men,
but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to
Caesar, or not? (15) Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing
their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I
may see it. (16) And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this
image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. (17) And Jesus
answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's,
and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (KJV)
Back in the Lord’s brief period of time
on this planet He also was approached by those that claimed they were
believers who were looking for loopholes too. Being the fact that Jesus
Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, would not the answer He
gave to those back then still hold true today? The Lord was quite specific
with His answer and didn’t stutter. So I ask ‘which part of paying taxes is
being misunderstood by the so called believers today’? Having watched a
documentary about a big corporation that goes into communities seeking to
set up their franchise stores there, the first thing they do is hit the
local governments up for tax breaks. These are multi-billion dollar
organizations that rather than do their part and be an example to the
community, they do whatever they can to milk it dry. Sounds like the same
mindset that has crept into the so called churches of today; they look for
loopholes in the system which the Lord pointed out in verse 15 above is
hypocritical. Maybe what has happened is rather than follow the example of
our Lord, they have gone out of His will; and rather than feed the flock of
God with the truth they end up fleecing it with their hypocritical messages
that end up making merchandise out of the flock rather than Christ like
people. Personally, I don’t like paying taxes (although I do) especially
when I see some of the waste and mismanagement that goes on with it.
Although many people complain about our country and direction it is going
it is the place the Lord has me at for this time; and quite frankly when I
watch the news I see there are a lot worse places to be. Our system is not
perfect and never will be because of the effect sin has on this fallen
world. So until the Lord returns we all need to do what is required in His
word and pay our fair share if we wish to keep the Lord as our source.
Proverbs 11:1-4 A false balance is
abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. (2) When pride
cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (3) The integrity
of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors
shall destroy them. (4) Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but
righteousness delivereth from death. (KJV)
If you worked all week and didn’t get
what was agreed to, you would be all over the situation demanding a just
balance. If your tax return came up short you would be after them to get it
straight. So when did the people of God and those that claim to be
followers of Christ become above the law with their tax loopholes and big
corporation mentality? Christians are supposed to be the example; and if
everyone followed the example of these so called ministries, then we would
have no one paying their fair share for services rendered and we would have
nothing but chaos and anarchy in this country. Since when did they become
such cheapskates? Claiming they serve a God of abundance but act stupid
when it comes time to distribute it; nonsense! Our military people should
not have to come home to a more hostile environment than the one they just
left; and rather than thanking them, many that claim to be of God, are
actually just as guilty as many others for ignoring their needs.
Acts 20:32-35 And now, brethren, I
commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build
you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
(33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. (34) Yea, ye
yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and
to them that were with me. (35) I have shewed you all things, how that so
labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (KJV)
This was Paul’s farewell address to the
elders of Ephesus; letting them know the example he set and what it took to
be blessed of God. As a Church and an example of the believers in Christ,
is our mindset the same also, realizing it is more blessed to give than
receive? If so, we need to lead by example. For all those that are truly
serving our Lord in not only talk but walk, we will realize this and do
what the word of God requires of us.
2 Corinthians 9:7-11 Every man according
as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (8) And God is able to make all
grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all
things, may abound to every good work: (9) (As it is written, He hath
dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth
for ever. (10) Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister
bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits
of your righteousness;) (11) Being enriched in every thing to all
bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (KJV)
Although this is one of the most popular
verses with many of the religious people of today who have their hand out
to the congregation seeking their just do financial balance, God is also
speaking to them about doing their just part and quit fussing and
complaining about rendering to Caesar. Although it is important to support
the fellowship God has put you in, and you are to be obedient to what the
Lord is asking of you, make sure the next time you get hit up with money
pitches and sermons that pertain to the importance of giving, that the
people who are preaching it are doing what the word of God requires also;
giving more than just cheap lip service. If they have sold out to tax
loopholes and are not doing what the word of God requires of them, how many
other areas have they compromised and sold out in? No man can serve two
masters, you cannot serve God and mammon (money); that’s called double
minded which is unstable and unable to receive anything or any support from
the Lord.
|
