Death and Taxes

“But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” wrote Benjamin Franklin. Can I get an Amen?

There’s uh, income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, real estate tax, personal property tax, capital gains tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, excise tax, That-that’s about it. (Borrowing a spiel from Bubba Gump).

Tax bills came out recently and I received the personal property tax bills in the mail for my two vehicles. Imagine my surprise when I opened one bill to discover the amount I owed was $0! That’s right, I owed no tax for my oldest car! Let freedom ring! (the car pictured is actually my first car, I don't drive it any longer, but the tax would be the same!)

I was tempted to frame that tax ticket! Take that Ben Franklin!

However, my rejoicing was cut short when I remembered that I still have to pay for tags, for an inspection sticker, and the town’s license fee. My shoulders sagged. Ben Franklin is right on the money! (yes, a terrible pun).

Taxes are certain! But what about death? Is death so certain?

Jesus said in that well known verse, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Sounds like death is on shaky ground. Death and Taxes.

Easter reminds us that death has been defeated! The apostle Paul explains 1 Corinthians15:20-23, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” He continues in verse 26, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

Take that death!

Paul concludes in verse 54, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

So the good news on death is that death itself will die, swallowed up in victory! Death is not the final word!

But what about taxes? Well, even Jesus said, as recorded in Mark 12:17, “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”

So pay your taxes. But don’t give death the final word. Place your faith in Christ who defeated death and offers life!

You can read more stories in my books, "Jesus Also Laughed," and "Sunday Dinner." Both are collections of fun and inspirational stories that have appeared in the Pastor's Corner of the Coalfield Progress newspaper. Contact me to get your copies today!