Tax Exemption

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 12
 
A tax auditor came many years ago to a poor servant of the Lord to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay.
“What property do you possess?" asked the auditor.
“I am very wealthy," replied the Christian.
“List your possessions, please," the auditor instructed.
“First, I have everlasting life (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)).
"Second, I have a mansion in heaven (John 14:22In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)).
“Third, l have peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:77And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)).
“Fourth,' have joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:88Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)).
“Fifth, I have divine hive that never fails (1 Car. 13:8).
“Sixth, I have a faithful wife (Prov. 31:1010Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)).
“Seventh, I have healthy, happy, obedient children (Ex. 20:1212Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Exodus 20:12)).
“Eighth, I haven true, loyal friend (Prov. 18:2424A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)).
“Ninth, I have songs in the night (Psa. 42:88Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8)).
“Tenth, I have a crown of life (James 1:1212Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)).
“Eleventh, I have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who supplies all my need (Phil. 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)).”
The tax auditor closed his book and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation!”