Monday; April 15

Even though Tax Day doesn’t seem to have the same emotional impact as it once did, it is still an important day for our nation.  Before the advent of electronic filing April 15 was a day of loathing and gnashing of teeth.  In years gone by fewer people prepaid their taxes in a way that they got refunds, so coupled with the need to pay the balance and the appointed time of accountability, April 15th was a dark day for a lot of us.  I don’t think that Tax Day is nearly as devastating as it used to be but it still does challenge us – what are we willing to give up to enjoy living in this country?  Whether it is paying our fair share or being taxed to help our neighbor, there is a price to be paid for living in the United States of America.  Sure, we might be guilty of fussing about it, but the truth of the matter is that most of us are happy that we have an income and are willing to donate a portion of our pay for the privilege of living when, how and where we do.
As I thought about how much we are willing to pay to live in the U. S., I got to thinking about the cost of living in another realm – the kingdom of heaven.   You see, to be a good citizen in our country, we must be willing to pay a percentage of our income, but when it comes to be considered for citizenship in the Lord’s church we must be willing to give our all.  If Jesus was willing to give up His life, we must be willing to follow in His footsteps and give ourselves to Him.  Jesus challenges those wanting to be His disciples, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) and expects the answer to be “everything it takes”!
Let’s be thankful we can pay our taxes this year, but let’s be even more thankful that Jesus was willing to pay for our sins.  All it takes to repay Him is everything we have!
Think About It!

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