But just recently, the United States Internal Revenue Service was found to have targeted certain conservative or religious groups who had applied for tax-exempt status based on their names or political beliefs. The ‘flagged’ organizations were required to provide extra documentation which was nearly impossible to comply with and beyond what is required. Some were actually asked what books their members were reading and what they had posted on social networking websites. Some organizations were informed that if they did not provide the information sought, they would not be certified for tax-exempt status.
Incredibly, The Coalition for Life of Iowa was asked to explain how all of their activities, including the prayer meetings held outside of Planned Parenthood, were considered educational as defined under 501(c)(3). They were asked to explain in detail the activities at these prayer meetings and to provide the percentage of time the group spends on prayer as compared with other activities of the organization.
Then too, certain conservative and religious-based organizations have been audited at a far greater percentage because of their political positions. To say these practices are beyond the line and responsibility of the IRS is a gross understatement! For many Americans this has further tarnished the reputation of an aggressive agency that already struggled with major trust issues. Some feel as though they are now living in a communist nation with a secret governmental police force doing whatever they are directed to – right or wrong.
In a nation with so many major problems, one would think that any organizations involved in prayer would be valued and not feared. But in modern-day America it has become those having morals and standards as based on biblical truth who are now feared and limited if at all possible. Everyone has their own set of standards and places where they personally draw the line so to speak. The problem is that any personal line is just that. It is personal and therefore is limited to flawed views of sinful and imperfect men and women.
There needs to be consistent and correct lines drawn in a society’s sand at the highest level. That standard is God’s alone and the one clearly laid out in His word. Unfortunately, a secularized society no longer desires or accepts that. But much of the nation has come to the place where Israel of old did back in Judges 17:6. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” That led to cultural chaos then and still does today.
The unwarranted and illegal intrusion of the IRS into to personal beliefs and practices may also remind some Bible students of a time when all hearts and lives will be fully explored. But in that case it will be for the right reasons, with the right authority and by the One who has the only right to do so. Hebrews 4:13 records that reality. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
For some, the thought of giving God a detailed account of their lives is scary news – far more than being audited by the IRS. But for others, their spiritual audit will be good news with the reason being recorded by the writer John. “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)
Hopefully, the IRS will experience a good and serious house cleaning. But of far great importance for everyone, taxpayer or not, is a thorough ‘heart cleaning’ through Jesus Christ who is both our spiritual auditor and our eternal Advocate!
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:-9)
Bill Breckenridge
