It is being discussed in congress, with the White House, and in think-tanks in USA as to whether or not charitable gifts should be included as deductions. The White House argues that they could raise what they call "significant revenue" by doing this one simple thing. However, I believe the consequences would rumble throughout our entire nation. It becomes a way to further the idea that government is somehow better than the church at doing charitable work. Gifts that many of the rich give to help good and worthy causes like our colleges, our charities, and our churches will probably no longer be given there, but will be placed in another tax-shelter. The truly wealthy will find a way not to pay taxes. It just will no longer be given to worthy, benificial organizations. This on the opposite pole as to what happened in the previous administration. They made it their priority to help non-profits administer to the hurting, the needy, and the hungry.
READ MORE ABOUT DOING AWAY WITH CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS HERE
This specific deduction has been working in our tax system for nearly 100 years. And until the latest economic debacle was scarcely given a second thought. They think they would be able to raise a few hundred billion dollars over a few years. Then the federal government could administer these monies so much better...I'm sure (insert very sarcastic tone here).
While this whole debate doesn't surprise me, it does give me pause. I have to ask, how much would people give to charities, including secular, religious, and the church, if they no longer got their deduction at tax time? How much would it affect his church? Think about this, if we have been doing this for nearly 100 years, that means for the other 136 years we didn't use this deduction; God's people still gave to His church. The church actually thrived in those times. Both of the Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries saw significant numbers added to the church and there was no tax deduction. That American church understood deep in their hearts what Jesus said:
"Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17
While we usually concentrate on what we give to the government, the emphasis is equal. We should always pay our taxes. I can assure you, this was more of a command to give what the government was due. As it was in Jesus' day, it was either pay or suffer huge consequences similar to, but more severe than, our own. So, to the Pharisees who were trying to paint Jesus in a corner, He spoke one of the most renowned truths concerning God and government in history.
Here's my point, the assumption was that you and I would definitely give God His due. his intention was that we shouldn't fight the government every time it comes to paying taxes. It breaks my heart that the emphasis is now reversed. The tax man gets his due, while our God is left to squeeze money out of us if there's anything left.
But, remember this, God will never force His way into your life, the government will. He is looking for us to give Him our hearts. That is why Jesus told us wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If you could choose, where would your money go? That one question reveals much about your heart.
As we come to the end of the year and once again consider our gifts to our God and His church, is my heart fully His? My gifts to Him are my gauge of my relationship with Him. Is it time you give to God what is God's?
Pastor Trey Rhodes
Happenings at Oceanside Church
Sermon Series continues this week on Sunday Morning - 2012: the End of the World as We Know it. As people are thinking about the end of the world, ask them to be in church with you. Christians have the answers to the questions they are asking.
Have you tried the New Giving Kiosk? It's at the entryway of the church. It's simple to use, and you never have to worry as to whether you have your checkbook or cash ever again. Directions are right above it. The word is, it's easy to use. Accepts all debit and credit cards.
Christmas Offering Continues This Week. We want to give you the opoortunity to be participate in international missions as well as local ministry.
Please pray about giving this Christmas. Give throughout the month of December (maybe aunt Sally doesn't need that extra Christmas sweater). Come prepared to give on Sunday Morning, December 23, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. God wants to use you. He wants you a part of his bigger plan. This is how you can be a participant in the Gospel.
Christmas Candlelight Service. Sunday Night, December 23rd at 7 PM. Come and bring your family and friends as we get back to the old traditions and enjoy the new together. this in one of those things you should change your calendar for as we place Christ in the prominence of the season that He so richly deserves.
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