How does Romans 13:6 guide our attitude towards paying taxes today? The Text at a Glance Romans 13:6: “This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to governing.” Why Taxes Matter to God • Paying taxes is a response to God’s established order (Romans 13:1-2). • Civil authorities are called “God’s servants,” so supporting them is a form of serving God. • The verse ties money to ministry: taxes fund the governing work God ordained for public good (1 Peter 2:13-14). Attitude Over Obligation • Cheerful submission flows from recognizing God’s sovereignty (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Grumbling turns a righteous act into empty ritual (Philippians 2:14-15). • Viewing taxes as stewardship, not loss, aligns hearts with Kingdom priorities (Matthew 6:21). When Government Fails or Misuses Funds • Scripture anticipates imperfect rulers yet still commands payment (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:18). • Personal obedience remains even if leaders act unjustly; judgment belongs to God (Romans 12:19). • Conscience stays clear by doing right regardless of others’ wrongs (Acts 24:16). Limits of Obedience • We obey government unless it commands sin (Acts 5:29). • Paying taxes does not equal endorsing every policy; allegiance to Christ stays supreme (Matthew 22:21). Practical Steps Forward 1. Budget taxes first, honoring God’s order before personal desires. 2. File honestly; integrity in small things reflects faithfulness in great things (Luke 16:10). 3. Pray for officials funded by those taxes (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 4. Engage lawfully—vote, petition, run for office—while maintaining respect (Titus 3:1-2). |
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