“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13:6-7
The Apostle Paul says “pay taxes”, but Jesus also asserts this when He says “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
“God’s servants” is a priestly term that elevates both the source of authority and the responsibility of those in power.
While all governments fall short, Paul implies that the first-century Roman government was carrying out its two essential functions: approving those who do good and punishing evildoers. Paul acknowledges that all authority comes from God, to whom ultimate obedience is due.
Believers are to honor those in authority, obey the government, and pay their taxes. To fail to do so is to suffer the consequences from those in authority and possibly from God as well. God is the ultimate authority.
We are to respect and honor God above all others, but taxes and customs are likewise Christian obligations. In a democratic society the Christian has a share in civil authority, and therefore must do what he can to see that its actions conform to God’s moral law.
God’s blessings on your day…