Put Your Hope in God
For several years we at MB Foundation have anchored our ministry on Paul’s teaching from I Timothy 6:17-19. This short paragraph has a lot to teach us about giving meaning to money, and it includes these words: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant . . . but to put their hope in God.”
The following story reminded me of this challenge and of one simple way to keep putting my hope in God.
Several years ago a woman and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband’s employer’s home. The woman was nervous as the boss was very wealthy with a fine home on the waterway and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and the couple was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The employer was quite generous as a host, taking them to the finest restaurants.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant the boss stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. “How absurd!” the woman thought. What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man’s face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? “Look at it,” He said. “Read what it says.” She read the words “United States of America.” “No, not that; read further.” “One cent?” “No, keep reading.” “In God we Trust?”
“Yes!” “And?” “And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick up the coin as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God’s way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!”
What a great, yet simple, way to keep our mind trained on what really matters when it comes to our earthly possessions! I encourage you to try that when you see a coin on the ground. Or do what another acquaintance of mine does. He keeps a small metal cross in his pocket along with his change. That way whenever he reaches in for the coins he also sees a symbol of Jesus and his payment for our sin. It’s an immediate reminder that everything we touch, including our resources, is connected to our faith and part of God’s generous provision for us (I found one of these crosses at the local Christian book store).
“Put your hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (I Timothy 6:17b)
Guest Writer – Dennis Fast, Church Relations Director