It’s only money

The study of money is called “numismatics” , Greek for “coins in circulation.” Who knew? I just learned some interesting things concerning money:

In Old English, pygg was a type of clay that was used to make containers that held money. Eventually the word morphed into the term “Piggy bank”.

The Romans were the first to stamp the image of a person on a coin. Julius Caesar featured his portrait on a coin in 44 B.C. (Supports the statement by Jesus from Matthew 22:20-21)

The term “buck” refers to currency in the 18th century when deer skins were valuable trade goods.

The oldest form of money was cattle (sheep, camels, etc.) Each head of cattle was called a caput. So a person with lots of cattle had lots of caput or “capital,” a word still used today refering to money.

Referring to the spiritual realm of our country’s founding, the “all-seeing eye” that sits of top of the pyramid on dollar bills is a symbol of God’s providence. The Latin phrase above it, “Annuit Coeptis”, means “he has favored our undertaking.”

But money is not the most important thing in life.

Concerning the necessesities of life (food, clothes, etc.) Jesus said…

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

In other words, I must not confuse my priorities. I need to focus on seeking and knowing God and He will supply all these other “things.”

I have heard it said that the most important things in life are free. The first verse from Isaiah 55 seems to support that truth.

“Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;
And you who have no money come, buy and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without cost.”

Yes, I am grateful for money…but I am most grateful for the Provider.