Godly Entrepreneurial Spirit... (Part 3)

Are you a Godly entrepreneur?

"You will know them by their FRUITS."

So let's do FRUIT CHECK #3: Paying Taxes

As a smart and savvy business owner, isn't it natural to claim as much business expenses as possible?

But what about the things in the gray area?
You know those expenses that are really personal but you can fudge as business?
How much are you stretching the truth to add another dollar into your pocket?

But what about the government and IRS, do they deserve my money?
Aren't they inefficient?
Aren't they wasteful?

What does Jesus say about it?

"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s."

Gulp...
If you're hoping for some room for interpretation,
Sorry... this one is pretty black and white.

In case you need another example...
Here's what Jesus said about the temple tax. He even makes the point that the temple tax is wrong, but STILL says...

"But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

It's not about right or wrong when it comes to taxes. It's about paying what the government requires of you and not causing a fuss about it.
It's about being obedient to God's will over yours.

Does this mean that we shouldn't write off anything at all?
No, we should be smart and savvy business owners,
However we should not cross over into lying.
Don't play with fire.

As worldly business owners, that line can seem pretty flexible, stretch and gray.
However, we must think about the spiritual consequences.
Satan wants to get ANY foothold he can in our life,
And money and taxes is a very easy one to stumble on.

Here's a litmus test. Ask the question,
"Is the way I'm doing write-offs and taxes holy and pleasing to God?"
Think about talking to Jesus at the pearly gates of heaven as He's looking over your taxes, would it bring a smile to His face or not?

The rule is simple,
If it does NOT bring a smile to His face, don't do it.
If your choices doesn't delight Jesus,
Then who is it delighting?

If your tax choices are not making you MORE like Jesus,
Who is it making you more like?
If your tax choices are not bringing you CLOSER to Jesus,
What direction is it taking you?

The cause and effect,
The right and wrong is pretty simple.
Satan is the one graying it up.

So I pray that you take a honest look at how you are stewarding your money and tax filings and make sure you are making choices that will DELIGHT Jesus and not make Him sad.
I know it's easier said than done,
But it is a choice we all have to make.

I pray you will make the right choice to benefit you for ETERNITY and not just the tax seasons here on earth.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Grant me spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear,
So I can clearly see right from wrong when it comes to taxes.
Let me see things as delighting You or grieving You,
Help me see the black and white,
Help me DELIGHT You in all things tax related.

Let me not create a gap between us with money,
Let me love You more than money,
Let me make the choice that will make you SMILE.

Help me not sell a piece of my soul for earthly dollars,
Help me not be short-sighted on the earthly treasures that will rust,
But store up heavenly treasures that will last FOREVER.
Move my heart to change and see things Your way.

In Jesus name, Amen."

Cheers to doing taxes the Jesus way. Owie and wohohooo!!!