6 October 2016 | St Albans [David Neal, Stewardship director]
First Things 1st is the monthly blog of the newly formed Stewardship Ministries Department of the Trans-European Division. The purpose is to restore and strengthen the principles of biblical stewardship, leading to a strong, mature and joyful faith in Christ for those we serve.
“Take My Life and Let it Be…”, the opening line of the traditional hymn of consecration composed by Francis Ridley Havergal. Each verse invites the singer to – commit all his/her possessions and being – to the Lord for His purposes. Over the coming months, ‘First Things 1st’, intends to consider the meaning and spirit of these challenging lines (along with some others in the same spirit). This month…
Take my Taxes
“That makes me smart,” said the US presidential candidate in the heat of the debate. “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” said Jesus in a much earlier conversation affirming taxes as good (Mark 12:17). Rome needed the tax not only to build its vast empire, but to keep it going – ironically to the great benefit of the spread of the Christian Gospel. Nowhere does Jesus encourage tax avoidance or evasion. Certainly both were around in his time, just as today. After all, who wants to pay more tax than absolutely necessary? If I can reduce my tax bill by claiming against an expense, so be it (a legitimate avoidance). I wonder though, is it not the nature of sin to find a loophole (illegitimate evasion)?
Tax avoidance is a legitimate activity, but tax evasion is illegal. Complex tax laws, the growth of international trade, and cyber trading have made the difference between the two much more of a grey area. But what is legal, is not always moral. While it may take years for the lawyers to determine what is legal, the masses decide what is moral in a moment. Take as an example how quickly the Apple Corporation lost its shine.
So Christ provides no get-out clause for withholding tax, not even for reasons of conscience. I may be absolutely convicted that the UK government’s plan to renew the Trident Nuclear weapons system at a current estimated cost of £31 billion, is morally indefensible. I do not want my taxes supporting that project. But the instruction from scripture is clear – to Caesar, I must give back. I have not checked the Greek, but that ‘give back’ phrase is interesting. If I want the many benefits the state provides, I have no right to opt out of the responsibilities. Once I have given my tax I have done my part. Whatever the government then does with the funds is their business. If there are areas I see as unjust or unfair, there are ways for me to get involved as salt and light in society promoting the principles of the Kingdom of God (voting, lobbying, protesting, etc.).
Take my Tithe (never paid – always returned)
Bring the whole tithe to ‘the storehouse’ says the prophet Malachi (3:1) and experience blessings. As to what ‘the storehouse’ is in these times seems a little less clear than it once was in our community of faith, with many an academic paper seeking to clarify or revise. Our generation of donors want to see cause and effect. But when it comes to tithe, we are not donors and we can’t donate what isn’t ours. By the very definition of ‘tithe’, we return to the Lord what is already His.
Tempted as I am, to return tithe direct to a pet project (supporting the development of the conference youth campsite for example) or to a ‘storehouse’ I like and identify with (perhaps one theologically more inclined to my liking, or because of greater mission success than others) – is not wise. I am soon to move my membership from the Irish Mission to a church in the South England Conference. I have 101 reasons why the Mission I recently served, with its growing needs, and run on a tight and limited budget, could greatly benefit from tithe sent – but again, not wise. Then, perhaps, and for illustrative purposes only, I might be concerned about the pastor of the new church where I will worship and make my home. He doesn’t seem to be performing as I would like. Or the conference officials and executive committee – well, let’s put it like this, they cause me to struggle! Justification for re-directing my tithe, even to another part of the storehouse? No.
Romans 13:6-7
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. (NIV)
As is so for taxes, discretion of where tithe ends up, is not ours to determine, but to ‘the storehouse’ (the local mission/conference). Just as Paul suggests that taxes are so that ‘an orderly way of life can be maintained’ (Romans 13:6 The Message), likewise for the return of tithe. For the most part, it works very well in our community of faith, a topic we will surely consider further at some time on our journey together.
The Appeal
Taxes are good – joyfully and honestly paid, because the Manager says so. Tithe belongs to God – joyfully and honestly returned, because the Manager says so.
Dare I suggest – that’s what is really smart?
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold:
Not a mite would I withhold;
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my will, and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Francis Ridley Havergal (1836-1897)
Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal No. 330
Traditional – Henri Abraham Ceasar Malan
Praise & Worship – Brian Doerksen
Contemporary – Louie Giglio
How does the “storehouse” function in the Seventh-day Adventist Church? [tedNEWS]
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