Nashville had a short gas crisis towards the end of September of 2008, and I found myself nearly stranded with the needle of my gas gauge on “empty” and a leaky tire to boot. Powered by what fumes may have helped me coast into the nearest Mapco station, I flipped through my purse for some dollar bills for the gas, then counted out some quarters for the air pump later. That left me with only three dollars.
On my way home, I stopped by the store to pick up a few groceries when a very emaciated African-American man approached me in the parking lot and asked me if I had any money to spare to buy some milk and bread for his family. I knew three dollars and some change wouldn’t cut it between the two of us, so I told him I’d do one better: “C’mon, let’s go shopping together!” As we went through the store, we got a lot more than just milk and bread—we got peanut butter, some crackers and canned food on sale shelves. All in all we had about four plastic bags filled, and the total came to a little over $16. I also got some cash back so I’d be prepared for my next gas run.
When we emerged from the store, he said he couldn’t thank me enough; I said, “No problem, glad to do it,” and watched him walk away. I shouted after him, “How far do you have to walk?” He pointed up towards a far away hill, and I laughed as I offered him a ride. The relief on his face that he wouldn’t have to carry four plastic bags filled with canned food and a jug of milk was priceless.
On our way to his apartment (which ended up being over three miles, uphill), I asked him about his life. He had been unable to find work for two years, and I asked why. He said that he had a felony on his record, had done time in prison, and no one would hire him. Those who had hired him for temporary, odd jobs used it as an excuse to swindle him out of paying him fairly. So he was really struggling to make ends meet for his family. Then he asked me what I did, and I told him I was a Christian writer and a music minister. His eyes lit up as he told me about how he was saved in prison, and had a heart for ministry. “Every time I walk with someone on the street, or find people who might be in my same predicament, I tell them to just trust in Jesus and he will send his angels to provide. And look…he sent you to me today!” I could feel a lump form in my throat. Wow. What faith this man had.
When I got home, I sorted the rest of the cash into denominations from smallest to largest - a habit I had when I worked as a finance clerk - folded them up, and inserted the bills into my pocketbook. But not before I glanced at the one-dollar bill that surrounded the rest of the folded legal tender. I opened it up and read the words: “IN GOD WE TRUST”. And I got to thinking: “What an ironic thing to put on a piece of money.”
We put money in banks, stocks, retirement and 401Ks…even into lotteries and slot machines. But when are we ever “trusting in God” in the process? Are we thinking about God when our eyes are on Wall Street or the gas station displays, the check out register at the store, or a casino billboard sign? What do the words “In God We Trust” mean in a world of free enterprise and commerce…or is it just a nice little catch phrase that, in some obscure manner, validates our US currency?
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21, NIV
The most common thing on the minds of Americans right now is money. So, let’s be honest: have we treasured and trusted God’s wisdom and guidance in our lives, laying up treasure in heaven? Or have we put more trust in financial advisors, stock brokers, our government, TV commercials and advertisements, in houses, cars, credit, in loans, that next “lucky” lottery ticket…or even campaign promises?
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
When I moved from California to Nashville, I left a lot behind, even treasured items. Believe me, it was not an easy thing to do. Whenever I thought about it, I would remember that it was '...just stuff. Let it go.” If I treasured tangible things more than I treasured God's guidance in my life, I would still be looking backwards, mourning my losses, licking my wounds—perhaps even staying behind where I shouldn’t be, rather than moving forward in God's will. I would have been a pillar of salt a hundred times over!
God provided manna and water to Israel, provided a ram for Abraham, fed thousands on a few loaves and fishes, filled his disciples’ fishing nets to near breaking point (Luke 5:6; John 21:6). The Lord provided a sacrifice to the world so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16). He provides healing, peace, comfort and forgiveness. So c’mon—just how hard can it be choosing to serve God over mammon/money? If we truly believe the words “In God We Trust”, then wouldn't that be indicative of the kind of reliance and faith we really do possess, whether the economy was good or bad? So rather than putting our trust in man-made corporations built upon sandy foundations (and remember, there are corporate churches, religions and ministries, too!), we should be building our foundations upon the Rock of Ages—investing more in “The Rock” market than the stock market—relying on God’s rescue package in Jesus Christ, rather than band-aid, quick fix bail out packages that deplete our oil supply (Matthew 25: 1-13).
How can we do that? By doing His will. And what is His will? Jesus did the will of His Father: “…My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) What are the worries and cares, the items or things that take away the focus of God’s will in your life? I feel that Jesus has commissioned each of us to reach out in love to the world. I believe that, how we each uniquely do this—given the gifts, talents and resources we’ve been given—is His will for us. This commandment He gave to love one another should be paramount to anything on the Wall Street ticker or the Wal-mart shelves. By trusting in Him with all our hearts, leaning not upon our own understanding, and acknowledging Him in all things—all things—He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Each time I look at a dollar bill now, I think how God directed my path towards an ex-convict in a grocery store parking lot. Even though I myself am on a limited income and fixed budget, God’s will for me was to buy groceries for a hungry man and his little family. For a corporate executive, $16 might seem like toilet paper, but to this man it meant his family could eat for a few more days, his trust and faith in the Rock strengthened all the more. It is God’s will that we serve each other, to wash each other’s feet, to invest in our fellow brothers and sisters, and restore an economy strengthened by the unconditional love of Christ.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
“The Rock Market: In God We Trust” - Copyright © by Carol Harper. Permission to publish, contact: carolrharper@gmail.com
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