An old saying tells us, “The only sure things are death and taxes.” Far more complaints are made about taxes than about death. If complaints reflect reality, then taxes must be worse than death.
But, most of us would rather pay taxes than die. So, we complain the most about what is least.
Since complaints reflect worries, we worry more about money being taken from us than losing our life. If we only had to pay taxes once, would we complain as much about death as taxes?
The question, “Which is worse, death or taxes?”, is made complicated by the fact that our souls do not die. When we understand that, and are fortunate enough to realize that our souls can joyfully live forever in Heaven if we love our neighbors, then we realize that taxes are a test and death is a sham.
Do we love our neighbors enough to love those who tax us? Both death and taxes can be wonderful rungs on a ladder ascending to eternal joy.
Which is worse, death or taxes? The answer is “Neither.” For believers, cheerful taxpaying reflects our love of neighbors, and may precede eternal joy in Heaven.
