April is the month for TAKS in public schools in Texas, and it is also the month for TAX nationwide. Both are “taxing” realities as personal success is demanded and this demand can prove stressful. Students taking a math/reading test or legislators debating the budget or citizens writing April 15th checks to the IRS are all living under the pressure to perform. Satisfaction in life is not, however, achieved through balanced budgets or exemplary school status. Tax and TAKS do indeed have significance in building the infrastructure of our community. Although fiscal, financial, and educational standards are essential, life’s greater purpose is not realized through any circumstances. Instead, Christ-followers must live in a dependence on God. The Holy Spirit inspired letter to the 1st century church gives insight for living with joy, peace, and hope in the 21st century. Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, & those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you…So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law…These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. Romans 13:1-1