In God We Trust?
The four words “in God we trust” are highly familiar to us. They have appeared on all of our coins and paper currency since Congress passed a resolution in 1957, making that slogan the official motto of the United States. But what do these four words actually mean?
Most Christians are aware that Jesus gave a stern warning to His followers that it is impossible to trust or serve God and Mammon at the same time. Mammon is typically translated as material wealth, especially greed or the love of money. Mammon is thought to be the name given to the spirit of avarice that entices people to trust and find their security in the accumulation of wealth.
Actually, the term “Mammon” originated in the ancient Chaldean and Aramaic languages, in which it represented not only material riches but in a broader sense anything that people place their confidence and trust in. Therefore, Mammon can symbolize anything we trust and look to for our security other than God. It certainly can be money, but it can also be our dependence on human reasoning, educational attainment, fame, professional achievements, even relationships and family.
Why do we trust in Mammon rather than in God? Jesus explained that anxiety about our security and provision is the driving force that tempts us to put trust in Mammon. In Matthew 6:24-34, He reassures us that Abba God understands our needs and wants to supply us with everything. Jesus points out that God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers and will do the same for us if we trust in Him. He urges us to seek Abba God as our top priority and release all our worries to Him, trusting in His promises of ample provision.
Where we place our trust is of critical importance—because whomever or whatever we trust, we will serve. We will give that person or thing power over our life to influence and even control us. It will have a claim on us, and to the extent that we trust in Mammon, we belong to it.
Through His example, Jesus demonstrated how to trust in God rather than any form of Mammon. In John 14:30-31, Jesus told His disciples that He loved Abba God and did only what His Father instructed Him to do. His entire trust was in God and His promises. Therefore, no evil spirit had any claim on Him because there was nothing in Jesus that belonged to anyone or anything other than God.
In what or whom have you put your trust? Is it Abba God, or does your heavenly Father have to compete with many other influences in your life? Remember that whatever you trust in will eventually control you. Let the money you carry in your wallet or purse be a constant reminder to trust in God. Every time you handle money, take a moment and read the inscription “in God we trust.” Ask yourself the question, “Am I trusting in God in my activities today? Am I allowing Him to influence my life, or do I serve another?” Learn to put your trust in God and you will find His Life operating in you!
This Sunday I will be speaking at both our 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM services on “Perseverance,” part of our new series on “Prophetic Destiny.” Please come and join us and learn how to claim the destiny that God has for you!