Tax Day

As all tax paying citizens are aware, this past week brought us “tax day”—April 15^th. The day that all income taxes must be filed, and for many of us, a time when we find out how much more we owe the government.

Many people dread tax day. For some it is anticipated because there could be a big refund check, but still many people are nervous about the paperwork. You have to pay a person to look through your personal financial matters, and some of us wonder how good of a job they are doing.

Are they getting me every break I am entitled to?

Are they getting me too many breaks?

A few years ago we got an incredible return, only to find out later she was scamming the government. She charged us over $400, and our big check was quickly spent on home repairs, and now the IRS is reclaiming it a little each year. Many people have their own horror tax day stories, and you share my nervousness this time of year.

I have come to view tax day as something I must get through. I won’t set aside money in case I owe, but neither will I depend on a return. Tax day was not designed to make me rich.

If you want a big return, just be good and happy. Seriously.

1 Timothy 6:6 says, “Now there is great gain in godliness and contentment.”

That great gain refers to wealth—spiritual wealth—when we live godly and are content. As believers, we should desire to live godly lives all the time because that is what God has called us to. But He also calls us to be content.

Many Americans lack contentment in their lives. We need a little more. I’ve got to pay off the car. I need to set aside for my child’s college. There are so many things to fix around the house. When should I start planning for retirement?

While it is important to be responsible, we still need to be content. There is a fine line between our needs and our wants that we must not cross. Are you content with what you have?

Wanting to have more drives us crazy, but contentment allows us to be satisfied with what we have.