| Alfred Shropshire |
| 1 Kings 9:15 |
And this is the reason of the levy which King Solomon raised: for to build the house of the Lord, and his own house . . .
There is an old adage which says that the two thing one cannot avoid are death and taxes. King Solomon used both to insure the availability of funds to build the temple and his palace, to repair city walls, and to build other cities in his kingdom. On seeing the destruction fostered on other places by Solomon's army, neighboring kings were more than willing to supply Solomon with gold, material and labor for his building programs.
No subject, today, raises the ire of most people as much as that of taxes, whether it be a raise or cut, or intended purpose of that rise or cut in taxes. Worry and anxiety usually are an accompaniment of tax talk. After all, the more I pay in taxes, the less I have to spend on my wants and needs.
In Luke, 12:22 and 12:31, Jesus says "Therefore, I tell you, do not •worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear . . . Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given you as well. "
In telling the disciples not to worry, Jesus was not denying that human beings need basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter, etc. Jesus drew a contrast between what can be an endless anxiety over food and clothing, and a simple trust in God's providential care. It won't be east, but we need to conquer anxiety by realizing that our lives are not defined by our circumstances or possessions, but by God's favor.
Prayer. Thank you Father for your gifts to us and for the greatest gift of all, Jesus the Christ. May we live in ways that reflect your love and his sacrifice. Amen.
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