Allow me to explain what I mean by this:
- IMHO, materialism is destroying our country. It is destroying us socially, economically and spiritually. Our drive for MORE, MORE, MORE has created a culture of selfishness and extreme individualism that destroys our relationships with one another and with God. Yet, we print the statement "In God We Trust" right on the very tool being used to fan this destruction.
- The reason many people give for being "turned off" by the church is because "we" talk about money too much. We give the impression that all we want is your money. However, when one examines the New Testament, it is easy to see that this is the number one subject discussed by Jesus. Why? Because He knew this would be the one issue that would be most likely to separate people from God. The rich young man was challenged to sell everything then to follow Jesus, but he couldn't do it. Ultimately his money was more important to him that following Christ. Jesus said it would be easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of a needle than to enter the Kingdom of God. You can argue with me about what Jesus meant by this statement all day long, but in the end the message is clear; money is the one thing that people will choose over God. Yet, we print the statement "In God We Trust" right on the money itself.
- Scripture tells us to trust in God and to let tomorrow worry about itself. Many of us are willing to do this in most areas of our lives - but not with our material wealth. How much money are you putting away in your 401-K account? How much of your life revolves around paying bills, buying stuff, and planning for the future? Can you examine your life right now and honestly say that you trust God to take care of you. Can you honestly say that you are willing to let tomorrow take care of itself? That money you have stashed away for retirement could do amazing things right now for the poor in your community, right? Yet, on every dollar you have saved the words "In God We Trust" are printed right on the front!
Let me be clear. I'm writing these words because I am guilty of materialism and greed in so many ways throughout my entire life. I'm NOT writing these things to point a finger of judgment at anyone other than myself. I'm simply writing out the thoughts and convictions I am feeling in my heart and I believe it is time for me to start acting on these convictions.
If I truly trusted in God, I would not be worried about retirement. My retirement starts the day I take my last breath. I will receive my comfort, my rest, and my reward on that day, not a day sooner!
If I truly trusted in God, I would quit pouring my efforts into gathering the almighty dollar and realize that my ONLY purpose in these few years I have left on this earth is to reach as many people as I can with the saving gospel message of Jesus.
I do trust God! It is time for me to start proving it. Not as a show or demonstration for you or anyone else to witness, but as an act of complete submission to Jesus Christ in my life. As a result, I expect some criticism. I expect many to not understand why I am making the "foolish" financial decisions that I am. Just know that I'm not doing it for you.
So, you can see why I find the words "In God We Trust" as being so out of place on our money. Honestly, I would like to see it replaced with a warning statement, like "Use can be habit forming and deadly."
I have SO far to go in order to get this right in my own life, but it is a journey I am determined to begin and complete!
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