May 18, 2017 (Thursday)
Earlier this week I wrote about the nickel. Today I would like to address the dollar bill. As I stated in the “nickel” blog, the money used by Americans was made of gold or silver until the time of the Civil War, when circumstances dictated a change. At first all the paper money was backed with a promise that it could be exchanged for gold or silver upon request. For a very long time now, our paper money is backed up by “the good faith and credit of the United States.”
Take a look at the dollar bill. For many years, the portrait on the front of the bill has been that of George Washington, our first president, the “father of our country.” It remains popular, even after efforts to displace it with a two-dollar bill or even a three-dollar bill. Every so often, there is an attempted comeback for the “Two,” but most two-dollar bills get snatched up and hoarded because they seem so rare.
The dollar bill is loaded with symbols, front and back, with all sorts of numbers, etc. The Great Seal is pictured on the back of the bill, showing the front and back of the seal. One side shows us a pyramid with13 steps (representing the original 13 states), and one side dark, reminding us at the time it was created that the west was still undeveloped. The top tier of the pyramid is a triangle depicting “the eye of providence.” On the other side of the seal the eagle holds arrows (13 of them) in one talon and olive branches in the other, indicating we prefer peace, and can defend it if necessary.
There’s much more. Just look it up on the good old internet. You’ll find the information fascinating.
When discussing coinage and currency, I’m reminded of what Jesus said, “Render to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, and to God that which belongs to God.” Whatever else Jesus may have been teaching that day, the lesson for me is that we should keep our priorities straight, yielding first place in our hearts to the Lord.
The Egyptians and other cultures buried belongings with their kings and queens, but Christians know better. We will leave money behind, along with all our possessions. Jesus taught us that our treasure is in Heaven.