March | 2020 | MoneyWalk

This program will help you undo financial bondage.

Some people say the government has no right to collect taxes. One argument is Christians do not have to pay taxes because they are free from the law. Others say your allegiance is to God only and therefore you don’t owe the government anything. Some say elected officials have no right to enact laws requiring taxes because the constitution does not allow it. Others say taxes oppress citizens and therefore must be fought against at all costs and left unpaid.

These arguments can seem rational to a carnal-minded-person however they are not valid when compared against bible instruction. Jesus said to render unto Caesar things that are his and render to the LORD what is His. On another occasion, He instructed Peter to pay taxes and provided for the payment via miraculous means – a coin in a fish’s mouth. The Apostles Peter and Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, instructed Christians to obey government rulers in what is right and pay taxes because government operations provide some important benefits for people.

We should obey government regulations when they do not require us to disobey the LORD’s command to worship Him only, evangelize the lost, fashion believers into disciples, and live in a Christlike manner. Conceivably, a government could raise taxation to an enormous level that causes people to rebel against it. There should not be taxation without fair representation. We help elected officials refrain from excessive taxation, help them stay as small as possible to meet only true needs they should serve, and help them refrain from abuses of power when we pray and exercise our right to vote them out and require them (via the Declaration of Independence upon which our constitution is founded), to understand our Creator (the LORD) ultimately gives the unalienable rights we enjoy. Therefore, they should only initiate and enforce laws that hold people accountable when they act against federal, state, and local laws that are in accordance with His will. In the meantime, the LORD is sure to provide believers and those who follow good stewardship practices more than enough to pay taxes.

Let’s be clear, it is not un-patriotic to take advantage of every legal option available to reduce your taxes to the lowest possible amount. Using an honest accountant to help guide your bookkeeping efforts and complete your income tax returns will help you in that regard. In times of depression, recession, and economic downturns, taxes you’ve paid allow governments to provide financial assistance to businesses and organizations that help people meet short-term needs (assistance for unemployment, medical, food) while continuing to meet long-term needs (citizenship records, licenses, sound roads, etc.). Such initiatives along with the largesse of Churches, individuals, and volunteer efforts help societies endure storms and experience much longer periods of sunshine. Consider giving a portion of additional disposal income that remains in your coffers due to expert financial advice because this helps spread the gospel in your community and abroad and meet needs of the poor, oppressed, orphans, and widows.

Please pray for this ministry, email me with any questions, and contact me to speak at your business or ministry conference or workshop. May the LORD bless you richly as you follow His plan!

1Kings 12:12-16, Matthew 17:24-27, 22:17-22, Romans 13:1-8, 1Peter 2:13-17

Please forward these bondage-breaking articles to other people who can use helpful insight!

You can find books authored by Randy Parlor and Karen Parlor at
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Randy+Parlor&i=stripbooks&dc&qid=1573343045&ref=sr_nr_i_1
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Karen+Parlor&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

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