Should Christians Support Political Tax Systems To Feed The Poor? | God, The Poor, & Taxes
First, let me say that we are called to obey the law of the land and our rulers. No one is in power unless God has permitted it. So, to the extent that we are required to pay large taxes, we absolutely should do so. The question I’m asking in this video is more or less addressing the morality of the demand.
We are often asked if Christians should support raising taxes to feed and help the poor. Is it biblical to pay taxes to help others?
In the video above we make the case that there is no scriptural support for a government to tax people to feed, clothe, or assist the poor.
We believe it’s the responsibility of the church.
Nowhere in scripture did Jesus call his followers to rely on the government to help the needy.
In fact, Jesus literally stayed out of politics.
It seems that some think the Government is more caring and giving than Christians. Not so.
But, when you continually raise taxes on those that do have the financial ability to help the needy, well, you hinder their ability to give.
As Christians, when we give directly, 100% of the money goes to help the needy.
Also, Jesus made the following statement:
[2 Thessalonians 3:10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
Unfortunately, I think we have many recipients of taxpayer dollars that are not willing to work. I don’t blame them. I blame the enablers. The government and those that support these programs.
So, I believe this applies to many Americans. Don’t get me wrong, I most certainly think we need funds for the disabled and many other Americans. I also know there are many people that truly need our help just for basic needs, like food and water. I am not making a blanket statement.
But – 1) I don’t think we should rely on a government tax system to do it. 2) I also don’t like that our idea of someone who needs assistance has homes, running water, heat & A/C, cell phones, multiple TV’s, a car, etc.
Even our poorest people in America are richer than the people of Christ’s time. Their rich would have envied what we consider poor today.
I’m going to tread lightly, because I don’t want to get overly political, but I honestly believe the government is overall not interested in helping real people in need. They are interested in votes. In other words, they are buying votes, but with someone else’s money.
Take Away: YES, there are needy people and Christians should give from their abundance, where they see a need. NO, I don’t think that should be the government’s role, and nor do I think they do a better job than Christians would, and do.
I am reminded of an old expression. Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life.
That’s where your government should come in (and mom & dad). If we really want to help the needy, let’s teach them a trade.
Let’s love on them. Guide them. Teach them a trade. Let’s get them out of the situation they are in. One of the evilest things we can do is give them just enough to keep them from going hungry, but never help them to prosper independently.
Share your thoughts.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
