Not too long ago, I finally settled my Income Tax confusion since 1997. That was the time I resigned from regular employment and working toward full time ministry. I didn’t keep track and also was not sure how the tax mechanism works. So I was surprised I found myself owing tax! I was contributing to PCB and yet I ended up owing. I wasn’t sure about the whole thing. Later as a working couple we sought the help of a friend who is a Tax Consultant to help us in our tax matters. Then we found that we had credit with the department. I figured that if they contra then my debit can be settled, but it was not so. I even received a notice of payment or else I can be prevented from travelling. That made me worried as Missions will require me to travel many times. After a few trips by our consultant and ourselves, we managed to come to a closure. I need to pay the debit by installment. Until today I am still confused and at least on paper I am “cleared” of the debit.

In our existence there are times we need to make out what is right and what is wrong. The filing of Tax Return is a bane for many of us. No one likes to pay taxes but Jesus said, “Render to God what is God and to Caesar what is Caesar”. He even told his disciple to go fish and he will find a coin to pay the required tax. Many of you who are in business don’t always have things so well defined. There are times you feel aggrieved and accounts are not so clear with so well defined cut off dates and related matters. To make you pay such and such an amount is disturbing but that’s what the law says!

As Christ-followers, we are to uphold the law. Every eligible working Malaysian citizen pay taxes and there is no way around it. We must practice integrity in this aspect. Pay up what is rightful to do. I learnt it long ago and I praise God now that I can pay my taxes because God has entrusted me with serving the people here by paying up. Let’s be accountable to those requirements and rejoice that God has provided for us. Let there be nothing in our hands against us. We are to carry out our duty at our stations and others theirs. Together we contribute to the well being of everyone.

Ps Francis