Today I called our new CPA to check on the status of our tax returns.
She’s such a warm, friendly person and so funny, that even when she tells me things like, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I’ve just been swamped this year, helping the people at the nursing homes and with contracts and so forth,” I find myself laughing along with her…and trying not to panic that the deadline to file your taxes is quickly approaching.
I am the daughter of a CPA, the sister of a CPA, and the sister of a bookkeeper, so not filing your taxes on time is almost anathema.
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Yes, taxes and other dreadful things are necessary.
The apostle Paul understood something necessary…to obey God. He also realized how difficult it was, even impossible, apart from God’s grace.
“But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.” – Romans 7: 17-20, The Message Bible
If you’re struggling to do what’s right, come to Jesus. He will give you the refreshing cup of grace you need today.
PS: Get your taxes done! 🙂