In God We Trust.

Hello friends, today l'll be blogging about the famous words above and their placement on U.S. currency. While browsing through Pinterest several years ago, I came across a post that talked about the $2 bill and the fact that on the back of it was the illustration of the Founding Fathers at the signing of the Declaration of Independence that contained the depiction of "the first president and first black president of the United States"; who apparently was voted as executive over the proceedings that led to the creation of the Constitution.

The reason I point this out is because it's important, I think, to note that there were blacks who, even back then, occupied positions of importance in society and, no doubt, helped create what we see today.

On another note, I'm sure that his white colleagues were happy with fact that if their experiment in government didn't work they could blame it on him; as we all are aware of the prevalence of racism back then.

Matthew 22:20-22 KJV contains Jesus' well known advice "render therefore unto Ceasar the things that are Caesar's" when asked about paying taxes by the Pharisees. In this story, Jesus asked the Pharisees to use their common sense; if Cesar's image was on the coinage then people should give him what was his. Many pastors today use this verse to justify tithes and taxes but if one "reads between the lines" in this scripture Jesus is saying if the ruler went to that much trouble to let the citizens know who was tfe boss then they should pay him their taxes. However, in today's world in this country in particular, former or "dead" presidents are placed on the currency and don't necessarily apply like they did in Roman times.

I bring this up because a lot of times we are placed in positions that demand we yield what is not ours or what we don't owe in order to keep the society going, right or wrong. If we "foot the bill" for something we are not accountable for it could lead to devastating results sometimes. Luke 6:38 starts with "Give and it shall be given unto you." It goes on to explain that how you give is how you will receive.

When looking at this scripture I am reminded of other well known pieces such as "the love of money is the root of all evil". Timothy 6:10 KJV. Many people mistake this phrase thinking it is "money is the route of all evil." This simple statement to me encapsulates all we deal with in terms of problems in this world. If we are serious about making the world a better place then simplest thing to do is stop loving money.

This doesn't mean we should stop earning it however, just stop loving it.

Until next time, remember God loves you and so do I.