Is Life getting too Taxing?
“The wisdom of man never yet contrived a system of taxation that would operate with perfect equality” – Andrew Jackson
The opponents of the present government claim that they have introduced over 66 new stealth taxes (hidden taxes on food, fuel and cars etc). What should our view be about paying taxes and in what ways should the government be held responsible and accountable for how it spends the tax of the nation?
Jesus was asked in Matthew 22:17-21:
‘Is it right to pay taxes?’
Jesus reply was clear enough:
‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’.
This message by Jesus is good advice and solid teaching for our lives in 2005. We are to bring to God what belongs to God and give to him as a first priority but then give to the government what belongs to the government – Giving to God and obeying his Word is the path to true riches and blessing in our lives.
However, how should we expect that money we give in taxes to be used?
In the next chapter of the Bible, Jesus confronts the Pharisees when asked about money with the following rebuke and criticism
“But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness” Matthew 23:23
The use and distribution of the taxes collected by the Government should be used to help bring justice for the poor, mercy to those who are suffering and supporting the faithfulness of those who work with the disadvantaged and the marginalised of society.
The tax system should reward those who are seeking to gain employment, provide for their families and help their families stay in health. The tax system should also help to protect and safeguard the environment, which we are called to be good stewards of by God – it may be used to encourage people to use public transport and improve their homes thermally to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
An increase in tax that is spent purely on the NHS or helping to reduce crime, improve schools or develop educational involvement in inner cities could be welcomed – but how would we feel about tax increases to fund military purposes, war, unethical oversees investment or foreign dictators?
As Christians, we are called to engage in society, remember the poor and stand for righteousness and truth. We can pray for and encourage the elected representatives of our nation to think and consider these Kingdom values as they administer and spend approx. £12,000 in money raised from taxes of the UK nation every second!
“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy” Psalms 140:12
A Question to ask your prospective candidate:
In what ways would you stand for Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness with respect to the Economy and the use of taxes in the future Parliament?
