Well, are you finished? Is it over? Today is the deadline to file your federal income taxes for 2024. Let’s just say it’s not the best day of the year for many people. Once we see the numbers, we’re reminded that there’s a cost to being a U.S. citizen and for some it isn’t cheap. We think about what we might do with that money if we could keep it all. We wonder if it’s all spent by the government in ways we think are wise. Personally, I’m fond of the quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr: “I like to pay taxes. With them, I buy civilization.”
I’ve been thinking about taxes in the context of the theme for this school year “Feel the Power!” based on 2 Timothy 1:7. In our society the belief of many people is that money = power and influence. The more money you have, the more you have of both. And of course there’s some truth to that. But as Christians we know equating the idea that the amount of money you have equals the power you wield is an illusion. True power doesn’t come from money or political position or title – it comes only from the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, as you file your taxes and perhaps lament the amount of money you’re giving up, take comfort in the fact that Jesus has made you richer than this world ever could through his grace, mercy, and the assurance of eternal life.