As I filed my annual federal and state income tax returns last week, I remind myself "why" I pay taxes. Personally, I believe I pay more than my "fair share", but that is beside the point of this blog post today.
The Apostle Paul, as recorded in Romans 13, reminds us "WHY" we pay taxes. This scripture is a favorite of mine, especially in light of the political environment that we endure...
This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling aginst what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only beauce of possible punishment but also because of conscience. Excerpt from the NIV of Romans 13.
So why do we pay taxes? Why do we submit to authorities? Because of conscience.
Because of my conscience...
