When I picked up the newspaper this morning a headline below the fold caught my attention: "Virginia-only currency one step closer to reality" It seems that folks in Virginia and other states are considering their own currency. The article goes on to say this "...reflects a deep distrust in...the dollar."
Perhaps this distrust is not only a sign of the factional splintering in our world today, but is also indicative of what and whom we trust. It also brings up the questions: What exactly is our currency? What is the "medium of exchange" in our lives?
That which or whom we trust is another way of expressing belief. Biblical linguists generally agree that belief in the Bible is much closer to trust than to a more common modern understanding of intellectual assent. Trusting infers dependence and interdependence, not head knowledge.
As for our "currency", the only things in this world we really possess are our lives: our ideas, our abilities, our talents, our compassion, our love..."
The above definition of currency also mentions "circulation." The process of exchange means that when we give we receive something in return. Regardless of whether the return is tangible, emotional, spiritual, or otherwise, that which we receive will in some way mirror whatever we have given.
Jesus said, "For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?" Matthew 16:25-26
Forget about the dollar. What is your currency of your life? What medium of exchange are you putting into circulation?
I'm a-gonna steal this for my Ash Wednesday homily. Whooo Weee!
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing about local currency among those on the Left for years.... as such it sounds like a generally good idea where possible as it allows local communities to essentially barter in a form that is less subject to inflation / far more secure. In a world of out-of-control inflation, local currency can be a great thing. While the powerful spiritual points above are well-noted, is it possible that one can live more deeply into local community, knowing our community and giving it a solid value in our hearts and in our lives, as exemplified by the local currency movement?
ReplyDeleteI have my time to waste, to invest, to share. I can exchange it for an endless list of goods and services whether in the marketplace of commodities or in the enfolding of relationships. It grows in value the more of it I am given.It is precious to me beyond measure. It is all I have, and the greatest reward it brings is when I give it away.
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