• There's nothing wrong with supporting those in the community who attend public school.
• In some public schools, teachers still take their Bibles to class, witness, invite children and coworkers to church, pray for their students, and give them spiritual guidance, hope and encouragement. Yes, believe it or not, they are out there; I know some of them.
• We are strangers and pilgrims in this land, and are expected --like Jesus in Capernaum-- to pay tribute.
• The Lord will provide for our needs. King David said he had never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).
• Jesus didn't dictate what the world would do (or not do) with the money He paid in taxes: when He gave it, it was theirs.
• Many public schools do permit homeschooled children to participate in athletic programs and extra-curricular activities that are mutually beneficial.
• Resentment, murmuring, and complaining are not attitudes that reflect Christ's character. There are proper and biblical ways to make appeals if you have been treated unjustly, but grumbling and moaning aren't part of them. A few years ago, I thought my new property tax appraisal contained a discrepancy and inaccurately reflected the true-value of my home. I went to the Treasurer's office and spoke calmly and respectfully to them. I produced acceptable evidence for my case with a humble spirit. I knew the ultimate decision would be theirs, but I also knew that the men and women who worked there were human beings and capable of oversights. Furthermore, I believed that if I treated them with respect and consideration (as opposed to ranting and raving) they would respond favorably--and they did.

On the more personal side, I view my support of the local school district as a small price to pay for some lofty, generous privileges:

• My wife and I have the freedom to home school our children--that's worth a bunch!
• We choose our own curriculum--again, priceless.
• My children have individualized instruction five days a week-- couldn't afford that for the same price.
• The risk of finding out my children are "falling through the cracks" academically is drastically reduced (can you put a dollar value on peace of mind?).
• The risk of our children abandoning our faith is radically reduced.
• Jesus Christ and the Gospel message are incorporated into every day's reading and writing.
• Discipline is administered in the proper dose and precisely when it is needed--no surprises when report cards come out or parent/teacher conferences are scheduled.

If you think about your commitment to the homeschooling lifestyle, you will realize there are more demands upon your time, energy, character, heart, mind, and faith than there will ever be on our bank accounts. I'm sure the Lord God planned it that way. I'm also convinced God has a wonderful way of providing for all of the demands on our lives...even money for taxes that support schools which our children do not attend.

Homeschooling is a privilege and privileges don't come without responsibilities. So I'll "render therefore" another check unto the Treasurer for my property taxes and pay my part to the local school district. It's a responsibility that I can joyfully fulfill...and I thank God for it. He has been so good to me.

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Timothy Palla is the pastor of Fairview Baptist church in the Lucasville/Minford area of southern Ohio. He and his lovely wife, Jennifer, have five children: Drew, Dane, Aidan, Ethan and Meghan and have homeschooled for over eleven years. You may contact him at tpalla@rocketmail.com