Tag Archive

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, at the birth of this new nation, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

While we certainly live in uncertain times, I would add one more thing to the list of ‘certain things’. One thing that goes beyond both death and taxes. One day, Jesus was teaching at the temple during a time of political division and economic distress. The Roman government seemed to get great joy out of taxing people beyond their limits to pay for various government programs, many of which favored the rich and put a burden on the poor. The Jewish people saw paying taxes to the Roman government as disobedience to the commands of God to tithe only to the temple.

Some religious leaders of his day came to trap Jesus. They asked him if it were right to pay Roman taxes. If he said ‘yes’, he would be supporting the Romans and guilty of blasphemy. If he said ‘no’ he would be guilty of treason.

The trap was set, but as usual, Jesus saw through the trickery and offered a third alternative. A principle that would satisfy both. The story can be found in the Gospel of Mark. He pointed out that Caesars face was on each coin and then said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.” (Mark 12:17)

A few verses later, when asked what the most important commandment was, He states, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’” (Mark 12:29-30)

So there you have it. The government may want your money, but God wants your heart.

Ben Franklin was prophetic in his observations. Taxes are inevitable and can be a real source of contention. And death? Well, much as we’d like to think differently, the death rate among humans is still 100%.

What’s the most important thing? To love God with all your heart, soul and mind. People will let you down. The media may deceive you. The government may want your money. Time will eventually claim your earthly body. But giving your heart, soul and mind to God lasts forever. He alone is our source of true peace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

There may be times when following God gets confusing and He seems distant, but His actions are always for our good. As someone once said, ‘we never know when God’s seeming inaction may have protected us from something that will hurt us.’

Life is uncertain, but faith in God brings peace in the uncertainty. Place your hope on the one thing that will last beyond taxes and death! Draw close in your relationship with Jesus through His Word, the Holy Bible.