The All-Seeing Eye

Many cultures, including our own, have used the symbol of an “all-seeing eye.”  We see it every time we look at our own currency, the one-dollar bill.  Unfortunately, the conspiracy theorists have hijacked the symbol and turned it into something sinister, connecting it with some sort of demonic force.

Going back into history, pre-USA currency, this symbol has been used to represent the all-seeing eye of God.  The idea is that the enlightened eye of God is constantly looking over us.  The creators of the dollar-bill positioned it above thirteen levels of a pyramid, representing the original thirteen colonies.

Rather than arguing with those who have a different interpretation of the symbolism, I connect the symbol as a perspective and a power that sees what is TRUE.  I choose to see this All-Seeing Eye as an invitation to look beyond appearances and see life on a deeper level.

Historically, other cultures have used this symbol as a reminder that there is a way of seeing the world that doesn’t get caught up in the confusion and chaos, but sees life from a higher perspective, a perspective that isn’t divided into good and evil, but is able to see life and all its potential.

I no longer think of God as a being looking down on us, checking out – and judging – our behavior.  Rather I think of the All-Seeing-Eye as a way of reminding us that there is a lawful power at work in the Universe – God, if you will – a force that works in logical and predictable ways.  That power also emits light and the light never goes away; it either shines, or gets hidden.

As a nation, there are consequences for our policies and how we conduct ourselves.  To the extent to which we bear the torch of freedom, to the extent to which we stand for justice for ALL, to the extent to which we care for the widows and orphans, the elderly and the innocent … the All-Seeing Eye notices and we are blessed.

The symbol is on our currency as a reminder that the way we use our financial resources … as small even as dollar bill … is the extent to which we will grow and prosper as a nation…or not!  How we spend our money reflects what we value, both as individuals and as a nation.

Those who designed our one-dollar bill thought of us as a nation under the watchful eye of God.  Would that watchful Eye be pleased with how we are loving our neighbor?  How pleased might that Eye be to see the way we are “doing unto others?”  As a nation, are we spending our financial resources in ways that meet the basic needs of clean drinking water, of providing health care for those in need – think of the Good Samaritan?  Or are we, as scripture asks, laying up treasure where “moth and rust corrupt and thieves break in and steal?”

My invitation today is to look thoughtfully at a one-dollar bill … look especially at the “All-Seeing-Eye.”  Then do these things:  1) choose to spend that dollar in ways that meet your necessities and then find ways to spend it in ways that feed and nourish your soul; share your financial resources with those who are in need; and spend your dollars in ways that reflect the magnificence of your character.  The second request is to hold our elected officials accountable for the way we spend money as a nation, in order that the magnificence of our nation might shine over the world.

The extent to which you do is the extent to which you will be able to say, “I feel good about being me!” … and that’s a promise!

Photo Image:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2007_US_$1_Bill_Reverse.jpg