In God We Trust?

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“In God We Trust” is the United States national motto. It is displayed on U.S. currency. Do you really believe it? Do you trust in your faith in God or is your trust placed in worldly things? Let us examine the history of the motto.

“In God We Trust” History

The motto “In God We Trust” was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins. From Treasury Department records, it appears that the first such appeal came in a letter dated November 13, 1861. It was written to Secretary Chase by Rev. M. R. Watkinson, a minister of the gospel from Ridleyville, Pennsylvania, and read:

Dear Sir: You are about to submit your annual report to the Congress respecting the affairs of the national finances. One fact touching our currency has hitherto been seriously overlooked. I mean the recognition of the Almighty God in some form on our coins. You are probably a Christian. What if our Republic were not shattered beyond reconstruction? Would not the antiquaries of succeeding centuries rightly reason from our past that we were a heathen nation? What I propose is that instead of the goddess of liberty we shall have next inside the 13 stars a ring inscribed with the words PERPETUAL UNION; within the ring the all-seeing eye, crowned with a halo; beneath this eye the American flag, bearing in its field stars equal to the number of the States united; in the folds of the bars the words GOD, LIBERTY, LAW. This would make a beautiful coin, to which no possible citizen could object. This would relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism. This would place us openly under the Divine protection we have personally claimed. From my hearth I have felt our national shame in disowning God as not the least of our present national disasters.

Many believe that God alone knows what turns the future will take, including those in the financial markets. If you believe accordingly, doesn’t it make sense to believe that the prudent course is to invest in those companies that best reflect your faith-based values? This is at the heart a trust issue. Will you do your best to be obedient to God’s principles and leave your financial outcome to Him or will you continue to rely on things of this world? It certainly makes sense to seek wise counsel while on earth, but shouldn’t your ultimate trust be in God and not man? You can rely on faith to get you through the good and bad times, but your preparation must allow God to have the final say. He will choose to bless those who are obedient and faithful.

So Whom Do You Trust?

You have faced good and bad times and are seeking to multiply your assets to do more good. With an emphasis on others and less on yourself, you begin to see a whole new world of opportunity. There is always someone in need of a hand.

As you begin to honor God with your investments and stay true to your faith, you begin to multiply your assets. Seek to minimize dependence on others—your company, the government, your friends and family—but never seek to replace God. It is okay to be less dependent so you can provide assistance, but don’t shelter yourself from God’s opportunity to bless you. Keep your faith in Him. If you focus on God, He will grant you your heart’s desires.