Pardon the pun. The annual assessment of taxes by our government(s), although relatively recently established in our country, has long been a somewhat disagreeable custom of civilization. Even our Lord Jesus found the subject important enough to comment on when He said: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21).
Tribute Money Is NOT Ours!
Now don't get mad at me. Jesus said that (Matthew 22:21). In fact, the whole concept of "tribute" was initiated by God Himself in the tithe. One tenth of the "firstfruits," God said, belonged to Him! (Malachi 3:8-10; I Corinthians 16:2; etc.). The Creator God, of course, is the ultimate Owner of all things (Psalm 50:7-12; etc.). We are to be His "stewards" (Luke 12:42; I Corinthians 4:2; etc.) and have been delegated the responsibility to "occupy" until He comes back (Luke 19:13; Matthew 25:14; etc.). Every "good" thing that we have comes from God (James 1:17). That certainly should include our financial resources.
Here's the principle to remember: although I have "use" of the money, I also have certain "obligations" for the money. I may have "freedom" to do with the money whatever I wish, but I may suffer consequences and loss of blessings if I choose to ignore the responsibilities to "pay" my "tribute to whom tribute is due" (Romans 13:7).
Investment Choices Are Ours to Make
Ah, but we do have freedom to "invest." God rewarded those who made wise investments with the "pounds" and "talents" they received from Him (Matthew 25; Luke 19). The "tithe" belongs to the Lord—and that should be deposited in the Bible-preaching church in which we fellowship. Our "gifts" and "offerings" may be deposited in Kingdom "investments" that will reap eternal "dividends" in the ages to come. What are you investing in?
ICR requests that you consider an investment in our ministry which confronts the godless worldview of evolutionary naturalism robbing the minds and wrecking the faith of so many in our day. "Investing" with us in this challenging work may yield a great return.
