April 30 -- "Paying Taxes With Joy"

 Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 24

"Paying Taxes With Joy"

Today, we dive into the topic of paying taxes with JOY, a concept that might sound as mythical as a unicorn tap-dancing on a rainbow. But fear not, for we find inspiration in 2 Chronicles 24, where an unexpected twist reveals a valuable lesson about our attitude towards taxes.

In this passage, we witness a remarkable event: the people of Judah, under the leadership of King Joash, willingly brought their taxes and dropped them into the collection box. Now, isn't that a sight to behold? Rejoicing over taxes? What was the secret of their joyfulness?

The purpose of the tax mentioned here was to support the maintenance and repair of the house of the Lord, specifically the temple in Jerusalem. King Joash initiated a project to restore the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair. The tax served as a means to gather the necessary funds for this endeavor. So, in reality this tax was not to fund government bureaucracy, but was a form of giving unto the work of the Lord. 

The people of Judah saw their taxes not as a burden but as an opportunity to contribute to the welfare of their kingdom. Their joyful participation revealed a heart of gratitude and a desire to honor the Lord.

Let's apply this wisdom to our lives today. Instead of viewing giving to the cause of Christ as a necessary evil, let's shift our mindset and find joy in our contribution. As followers of Christ, we are called to be good stewards, both of our finances and of the resources entrusted to us.

May we be cheerful givers, even when it comes to supporting the work of God, for in doing so, we reflect the joyous nature of our Savior and demonstrate our commitment to His kingdom. “For God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)