When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself” (Matt. 17:24–27). 

~ Once when in the Big Apple, a money-minded friend of mine and I drove into a multi-level parking garage. After a few loops, he changed his mind and decided that we should park elsewhere. As we were to exit, it turned out that he had to pay 55 cents for his time there. He refused and went and had a long, heated argument with the parking lot attendant. Since he had not parked anywhere, why should he pay anything?

~ Sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle. If you are in a situation where it seems like a bureaucratic hassle is imminent, and you have a point, it still may not be worth the hassle to make the point. You do not always need to prove that you are right. Peace is a better way out. 

Jesus did not need to pay the temple tax. He was actually exempt. But He paid it and quietly moved on. 

The Point: 80% of life is water under the bridge. Somethings in life are just not worth the hassle.