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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.
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