TAXES
We are to pay taxes even if we do not agree with how the government is spending the money. Jesus paid taxes, even to those who would crucify Him. "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee (Matthew 17:24–27). There have been some who thought they were in the right not to pay taxes based upon their understanding of the Constitution. But Christ did not have to pay taxes, but still he did "lest we should offend them".
If one believes his government is not interpreting the constitution properly, he is still to pay his taxes. “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:5–7). If anyone should have been free from paying taxes, it was God’s own Son, who created us all, including the world, yet He said to His disciples to pay the tax, “lest we should offend them” (Matthew 17:27).
We are to pay taxes even if we do not agree with how the government is spending the money. Jesus paid taxes, even to those who would crucify Him. "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee (Matthew 17:24–27). There have been some who thought they were in the right not to pay taxes based upon their understanding of the Constitution. But Christ did not have to pay taxes, but still he did "lest we should offend them".
If one believes his government is not interpreting the constitution properly, he is still to pay his taxes. “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Romans 13:5–7). If anyone should have been free from paying taxes, it was God’s own Son, who created us all, including the world, yet He said to His disciples to pay the tax, “lest we should offend them” (Matthew 17:27).
