The Value of Things

Over the past couple of years I've been hearing the term Cryptocurrency more and more frequently. To be quite honest, I didn't really have a clue about what crypto cash really is, so I did a little Google search and this is what I found: 

"Mining is the term used to describe the process of creating cryptocurrency. Crypto transactions need to be validated, and mining performs the validation and creates new cryptocurrency. Mining uses specialized hardware and software to add transactions to the blockchain. But, not all cryptocurrency comes from mining. For example, crypto that you can't spend isn't mined. Instead, developers create the new currency through a hard fork. A hard fork creates a new chain in the blockchain. One fork follows the new path, and the other follows the old. Crypto you can't mine is typically used for investments rather than purchases." (Source Coursera).

Again, I can honestly say that after my Google search was completed, I still don't have a clue about what cryptocurrency is?? I guess I'm getting old! Or, is it possible that this new fangled form of currency is beyond my grasp because I really don't understand how things have gotten so out of whack with what is valued in this world we live in. I've titled today's FTM "The Value of Things" let's dig a little into the value of the things we value. 

If we followed the trail of American history to a much earlier day and time, we would most likely find people trading goods for other goods. You have a beaver pelt I want, and I have a basket of potatoes that you want so we traded. But when and maybe more importantly who made certain shiny stones of value? Why is it that diamonds are so valuable and gold became worth dying for? I get it that the limited quantity of "precious" items such as emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and gold make them more desirable, but at the end of the day, they are still only shiny rocks. 

Dollar bills, credit cards, and even coins such as nickels, dimes, and quarters are all made out of items such as paper, plastic, and copper. Yet, we do all we can to acquire and safeguard our wallets and purses to ensure our money in our pockets and vaults. I fully understand the role of currency in today's economy, but what I don't get is how we got to the place where we value rocks, plastic, paper, and metals more than the true treasure of God's purpose for our lives. 

Throughout the Bible God reminds us and instructs us to not allow the treasures of this world to dominate our lives. Matthew 6:19 lays it out there pretty simply in this directive straight from the mouth of Jesus, "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal." Later in the same chapter Jesus shared that the flowers of the field are beautifully adorned and the birds in the sky are taken care of in the winter, so why should we be so worried about what we shall eat, or what we shall wear? (Matt. 6:26-34). The Apostle Paul strengthens us with this  reassuring message, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.

We all know we need money to survive, and I am not really talking about the necessity or importance of a sound financial portfolio in your life. What I am really wanting us to think about is how to keep things in perspective. "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) Our marching orders are simple in what is of value to us. Seek God, follow God, and serve God. When we do that, we will have what we need. That is His promise and I have found value in doing just that. Amen. 

Coach Carter