Tax day: more thoughts on money and stewardship
It’s tax day! If you live in the U.S., you’ve got just a few more hours to get those tax returns in the mail. Yesterday we linked to a few good articles about money and finance; today, while taxes are still on the mind, we’ll point out a couple more. But first, what better Bible verse to read today than Jesus’ famous response to the question of taxes:
Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.
So if you were hoping that the Bible would offer a good reason to weasel out of paying Caesar his due this year, you’re out of luck. Now, on to a few more good resources about how money and finances fit into the Christian life:
- Revive Our Hearts has two noteworthy radio programs about money. First up is a devotional series about the “treasure principle,” in which Christians are challenged to think “eternally” about every giving, saving, and spending decision they make. There’s also a two-part series explaining who your money really belongs to, and why our financial decisions are also spiritual decisions.
- YMExchange has a series of financial articles aimed at youth workers: breaking free of debt, living wisely with little money (youth workers are not known for drawing huge salaries!), and saving for the future.
- ACTS International asks: Is money your servant—or your master?
- Are you a good steward? A series of Bible studies at Into Thy Word about personal finances and stewardship.
I hope you find these articles useful and challenging. See if by this time next year, when tax time rolls around again, you can apply some of these Biblical financial guidelines to your own life!
