We’re counting beans today, trying to figure out how much we gave to charity, how much money we made, how much we owe or get back.
When I’m taxed by the attempts to seek my “daily bread,” one thought that “governs” my day to day is what Jesus quotes in the wilderness (and he’s quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3) . . . that we live not by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Manna was given to the Israelites for one purpose: ironically, it was for the opposite reason that we might think on the surface. It wasn’t just for sustenance but so every Israelite would realize that they could not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
We receive money, daily bread–most of us way beyond sustenance–for one purpose: to live and breathe the Lord and know he’s the true provider. In the last few weeks, I’ve done nothing to bring the buds on the trees. I’ve done nothing to turn the world on its axis, nothing to twinkle the stars or warm the planet. I’m a steward of creation as one of its companions but as I count my blessings today on tax day, I proclaim my allegiance not of this world or this country but to the Lord and every word that proceeds from his mouth.
I annoucned to a friend today, “Happy Tax Day,” like someone might say “Happy Birthday.” I got an eyeroll and a grown.
It is easy to not like the idea of taxes. I really liked how the George Bush tax cuts changed my paycheck – more to me less to Uncle Sam. Also, we do not like what some of our tax money goes to. At the same time, I do get a sense of community in carrying my “fair share.” I am not sure what fair share means exaclty, but I know that I am at least helping to build roads, help poor people and protect our citizens.
Furthermore, I ain’t got nuthin’ anyway. God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills, and he has a cow for me. And beyond that, a cow is more than I need in a day, so I get the privilege to share.
This little gig I have called 40 Days of Fat is giving me so much joy, and not just because I have lost 7.6 pound (elvis voice – thank you very much), but because when someone gives to World Vision because of 40 Days of Fat, I think about children drinking clean water, receiving medication, getting educated etc. That’s exciting. It’s the exciting and willing redistribution of wealth.
Man, that’s church. Cool.
I annoucned to a friend today, “Happy Tax Day,” like someone might say “Happy Birthday.” I got an eyeroll and a grown.
It is easy to not like the idea of taxes. I really liked how the George Bush tax cuts changed my paycheck – more to me less to Uncle Sam. Also, we do not like what some of our tax money goes to. At the same time, I do get a sense of community in carrying my “fair share.” I am not sure what fair share means exaclty, but I know that I am at least helping to build roads, help poor people and protect our citizens.
Furthermore, I ain’t got nuthin’ anyway. God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills, and he has a cow for me. And beyond that, a cow is more than I need in a day, so I get the privilege to share.
This little gig I have called 40 Days of Fat is giving me so much joy, and not just because I have lost 7.6 pound (elvis voice – thank you very much), but because when someone gives to World Vision because of 40 Days of Fat, I think about children drinking clean water, receiving medication, getting educated etc. That’s exciting. It’s the exciting and willing redistribution of wealth.
Man, that’s church. Cool.
Love the phrase “twinkle the stars”. Thanks Greg for your humility and writing ability. Judy T.