As we think about taxation, there are two extreme reactions that come to mind. One group welcomes it (even though others are affected negatively), thinking that they are "giving" to others when they give their money to the government to redistribute. The other group sees taxation as evil, the government redistributing money duly earned so that those who are not deserving can continue living irresponsibly.

     I propose a different attitude towards taxes. I believe that ideally, we are to take care of our families and our communities. This care is not meant to be impersonal. Caseworkers, representing the state, who come once a month to visit "orphaned" children could never be the ideal guardians for these children. Paid child-care workers and teachers, no matter how caring their hearts are, could never fill the role of a parent who is a stable presence in a child's life. Private citizens needs to take these "orphaned" children into their homes and give them the consistent care that would help them grow into loving and productive members of society. There are other areas where neighbors make decision that affect their neighbors, like in business (employers and employees) or in families (children and parents). Neighbors need to think about their neighbors when they make decisions. Ideally, the state should not be taking care of our responsibility as a society. 

     Unfortunately, because of the unwillingness or inability of private citizens to perform their duty towards their neighbors, the state, with its impersonal and inadequate service, must step in. It must take money from hard working people, some who also are having a hard time making ends meet, to provide services for others, some having legitimate needs and some who are taking advantage of the system. The government is a minister of God and taxation is a way that it executes its God-given role. Therefore, instead of railing against government taking our money and wasting it, or railing against it when our lives are not going well while praising it when our lives are going well, let us work with it in advancing the peace and prosperity of our cities. This is one way we honor authority.

     The state should also not have to take responsibility for our individual well-being. We are responsible for resisting substances that could damage our bodies, or for resisting activities that would destroy ourselves and our families. Let us be a society of individuals who have been given authority over creation, including our bodies. Creation is all our responsibily, not just the government's.