We had just received our semiannual tax bill. Oh the joys of being a home-owner! For some reason, it had never dawned on me how much of our tax money went to the local school district which our children didn't attend.

The idea of paying for something that I'd never get or use would have eaten away at me a few years ago. I've changed, however. Now I realize that the Lord "daily loadeth us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19). He has provided my wife and me with more blessings and joys than we could possibly number. Each day we get full "retail value" grace and mercy-- at less than wholesale costs-- even considering the fact that we are continually required to pay for the public education which our children won't ever receive.

Oh, sure, if I stew over something long enough, I can get put-out. By dwelling on the negative I could probably give myself ulcers, hives, and send my blood pressure into orbit. That won't be my choice, though. Instead, I'll let the principals of Philippians 4:8 guide my heart and mind. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." In His awesome faithfulness, God graciously provides a solace for my heart and mind through the Scriptures, and I'd like to share a few of those gems with you.

Beginning with Matthew 17:24-27, one will find the Publicans asking Peter, "Doth not your master pay tribute?" Jesus follows up with His rich, calming words of wisdom, "lest we should offend them... go thou... find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee" (Italics mine).

Moving on to 22:15-22 we see Christ's discernment at work as the Pharisees attempted to entangle Him by their worldly wisdom. "Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar or not?" they questioned. His reply was bold and clever, "Whose is the image and superscription?" (don't you just love the way He answered their question with another question?). "Caesar's," they said. With graceful eloquence Jesus spoke, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's..."

Lastly, I find comfort and peace through the apostle Paul's instruction to the Roman Christians. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Wherefore ye must needs be subject... for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also... Render therefore to all their dues... (Romans 13:1, 5, 6a, 7a [Italics mine]).

In these Scripture passages I didn't find a single place where Christ or His followers complained, tried to get out of paying taxes, asked to whom the money was going, or what it was going to support. It was only money, and God was capable of providing all that they needed.

As homeschooling parents we must never become so self-consumed that we forget these very important facts: