Years ago, my first business mentor taught me an unexpected insight about taxes. I was complaining about paying my yearly federal income tax when he laughed and said, “Don’t be afraid to pay taxes. It means you made some money.”

His positive approach to an exercise most people hate surprised me. Over time, his influence helped hone my financial skills — and my attitude — in myriad ways that have benefited me personally, professionally and spiritually.

Scripture provides only limited specifics regarding taxes. We know from Jesus and Paul that paying taxes is proper, even when the rulers are not followers of God (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:15-22; Romans 13:6; etc.). We also know from basic biblical principles that we should always be honest (Proverbs 19:1; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Hebrews 13:18; etc.).

That’s why I believe it’s reasonable to use legal tax strategies our government allows as long as we commit to integrity in our work and accuracy in record keeping. Most importantly, we should trust our powerful God to take care of us (1 Peter 3:10-12).

Over the years, I have chosen to make the best of tax time. Instead of dreading it, I have learned four practical lessons I revisit every April.

1. Focus on the Positive Benefits of Tax Money at Work
The government doesn’t spend every dollar of tax revenue the way I would prefer. But at tax time, I choose to focus on the positive things the government does, such as providing police and military protection, funding schools, building roads and supplying other needed services. Imagine the chaos of no government. We do not have to agree on how the government spends, but we can appreciate any good that comes from government.

2. Decrease Waste and Anxiety by Planning Ahead
Every year I look at my situation with fresh eyes. Am I paying too much or too little in taxes? People tend to make one of two mistakes in their tax planning. The first is having Uncle Sam withhold too much, with plans of getting a big refund each year. This may feel like forced saving, but it is really wasting an opportunity each month to save more for retirement or pay down debt. The opposite mistake is paying too little and winding up with a large tax bill. This usually leads to penalties and interest.

Most importantly, we should trust our powerful God to take care of us.

The smart approach is calculating your anticipated taxes at the start of the year and having the correct portion of the total withheld from each payroll check. Accurate planning beats worry and helps you prepare an excellent personal budget to reach your financial goals.

If you’re self-employed, be sure to save enough money from every dollar you earn and make the required quarterly tax payments. Remember, you owe the money, and IRS penalties for underpayment can be harsh and costly.

3. Learn about and Use Tax Deductions
Don’t just use the IRS 1040EZ “short form” because it’s fast. Anyone who tithes, saves for retirement through an IRA, or pays a mortgage almost always benefits from tax deductions. If you need help, check with a good bookkeeper or CPA. You may be able to pay less tax legally. 

4. See Paying Taxes as Only a Part of Preparing for Financial Health
When you plan ahead, prepare a realistic budget and determine to live within your means, you will be amazed at how God helps. Each quarter and every year at tax time, I review the pieces in my own financial picture. This commitment helps me view taxes as simply an expense, like food, shelter or any other item in the budget.

The goal each month is to have a little left over and increase financial margin, even if it’s only “little by little” (Proverbs 13:11). The discipline of this entire process always pays off. Even tax season can help you grow, both in your finances and in your walk with God.

This article originally appeared in Vital Magazine and has been adapted with permission.