Tax Time!

Today is April 15, otherwise known as the single craziest day in the lives of many Americans who are rushing to fill out their tax returns and get them postmarked by midnight in order to avoid heavy fees and interest from the IRS. The fact that many people are so panicked on this day I think is indicative of a culture that cannot function unless under the pressure of an incredibly tight deadline. While this is advantageous in some cases, it is not a lifestyle that should be so common that we cannot think ahead and make proper planning.
True we know that Scripture says not to make plans because tomorrow is not guaranteed, but that doesn't mean we don't need to be careful and budget our time and order our lives. The principles of order and function seem to be common in Scripture, in fact God takes chaos and puts everything in order and in proper function in Genesis 1-2. The ideal for God is a well-oiled machine that functions properly and works to the end task it has been assigned. That is why deadline-pushing is a stressful time for us. Stress is a reaction generated because of external or internal forces taking our body and mind out of this perfect order, otherwise known as homeostasis. By disrupting the order that God has given us innately, we create an environment within ourselves of stress and panic. Sure there are times where deadlines and panic cannot be avoided, but they should be the exception and not the norm. We should live better than this as Christians, we should live lives governed by the peace of God and not the panic of the Clock.
God has called us to a great and high calling, and we would be remiss if we did not honor Him in the way we conduct our lives. Do not be anxious for anything, but rather give it all to God in prayer, walk with Him and He will give you a comfort and peace that puts all things to rest.
One day, we will be in an eternal Sabbath, an eternal time where we will be at peace with each other, the world, and God, and where the pressures we face now will never be allowed in. Until then, live well, and do your taxes as soon as you can.
Grace and Peace,
Scott