Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Romans 13:6-7

Dear God, it’s just so much easier in life if you just pay people what they are owed–and even err in their favor when there’s a questions. As a manager, I could quickly build a culture of distrust if I operated in a way that tried to keep every penny away from staff that I could. I’ve worked for people like that before, and they completely lost my trust and loyalty. I think they even lost a little of my work ethic. There was one job that I would actually go to the bathroom before I left for lunch because I was going to go on the company’s time as opposed to my time. That’ll teach them! (I know that’s pitiful, but it’s true.)

The same goes with taxes. If the IRS contacted me tomorrow and told me an audit is coming my way, I would be at total peace because I know my wife and I have not shorted them in any way. If anything, they might find that we didn’t take advantage of enough breaks and we could have paid less in taxes. There is a joy in generosity, and I think it starts with tithing. If I can learn to give away part of my money and resources to the needy then I find I’m much less likely to hold onto it when it comes to my business dealings with others.

Case in point, I had a family who was looking for a wheelchair for their father. Our nonprofit has wheelchairs that people donate and then we, in turn, give away indiscriminately. The man came by to pick up the wheelchair I set aside for them and he was so grateful that he left a donation. The donation was not necessary, but our generosity of spirit inspired his generosity.

Father, I’m still not where you want me to be on the spectrum between selfishness and selflessness, but I feel like I’m at least making progress. Help me to continue down this path until I am truly willing to look beyond my own wants and needs and see what you’re calling me to share in any given situation.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen