Our text today is Matthew 22: verses 17 and 21:
“So tell us what you think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
If you had the chance to pose a question to Jesus, would taxes be at the top of your list? It seems that disdain for taxes has been a timeless sentiment, echoing through the ages and still resonating strongly in America today. We’re faced with a dizzying array of taxes: income tax, sales tax, property tax, payroll tax, self-employment tax, capital gains tax, excise tax—and let’s not forget the estate tax that comes up after death.
While these taxes can feel overwhelming, there’s an even more insidious tax we pay—one that doesn’t come with a receipt. I call it the “Gotta Have It Now Tax.” This is perhaps the most foolish tax we incur. It’s an invisible fee we willingly pay when we prioritize instant gratification over thoughtful spending.
Think about it: whether it’s shelling out extra for expedited shipping, succumbing to impulse buys, or opting for convenience at the expense of cost, this tax quietly siphons away our hard-earned money every time we let impatience take the wheel.
The symptoms of this tax are glaringly obvious: empty bank accounts and mounting credit card debt. But fear not! There’s a remedy rooted in wisdom. Here it is: Save a little for a rainy day!
Proverbs 21:20 reminds us:
“Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.”
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth pondering.