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The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving
Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!
Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Priceless treasure is within your reach. And with it, liberating joy .
In Randy Alcorn ’s The Treasure Principle, you’ll unearth a radical teaching of Jesus—a secret wrapped up in giving. Once you discover this secret, life will never look the same. And you won’t want it to!
“Supercharged with stunning, divine truth! Lightning struck over and over as I read it.”
-John Piper , Senior Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church , Minneapolis
“The Treasure Principle will change your life! This book is destined to become a classic.”
-Howard Dayton , Co-CEO, Crown Financial Ministries
“The Scripture passages and illustrations really ring true. Just what I needed!”
-Hugh Maclellan , President, The Maclellan Foundation
“I enthusiastically endorse The Treasure Principle . I hope millions will read it.”
-Ronald W. Blue , Founder and CEO, Ronald Blue & Company
Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Priceless treasure is within your reach. And with it, liberating joy .
In Randy Alcorn ’s The Treasure Principle, you’ll unearth a radical teaching of Jesus—a secret wrapped up in giving. Once you discover this secret, life will never look the same. And you won’t want it to!
“Supercharged with stunning, divine truth! Lightning struck over and over as I read it.”
-John Piper , Senior Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church , Minneapolis
“The Treasure Principle will change your life! This book is destined to become a classic.”
-Howard Dayton , Co-CEO, Crown Financial Ministries
“The Scripture passages and illustrations really ring true. Just what I needed!”
-Hugh Maclellan , President, The Maclellan Foundation
“I enthusiastically endorse The Treasure Principle . I hope millions will read it.”
-Ronald W. Blue , Founder and CEO, Ronald Blue & Company
Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2001
About the author
Randy Alcorn
222 books1,480 followersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 485 reviews
November 24, 2009
I had a hard time getting through this book because I strongly feel that the author, Alcorn, has taken Matthew 6:19 ("Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...") out of context for his own purposes. Alcorn interprets "treasure" to solely mean "money" and the entire book is essentially devoted to why you should give money to the church. (I also can't help but feel a bit, um, wronged perhaps, by the fact that my church gave this book away in conjunction with a major giving campaign.) While it is certainly true that properly stewarding the money that God has entrusted to us is a stumbling block for many, I personally feel that it is deceptive of the author to lead the reader to believe that the verses and quotes he uses can only mean "give money to Christian organizations." A word study of the greek word for treasure, "thesauros," shows that it means "good and precious things" which certainly extends beyond just money--life goals, careers, relationships, etc.
On that same note, Alcorn quotes the martyred missionary Jim Elliot's famous words, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," and again uses it in such a way to lead the reader to believe Elliot is talking about money, when in fact Elliott was talking about giving the whole of his life for the cause of Christ.
Someone had recently recommended a different Randy Alcorn book to me, but I now feel quite wary of ever reading another book by this author.
On that same note, Alcorn quotes the martyred missionary Jim Elliot's famous words, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," and again uses it in such a way to lead the reader to believe Elliot is talking about money, when in fact Elliott was talking about giving the whole of his life for the cause of Christ.
Someone had recently recommended a different Randy Alcorn book to me, but I now feel quite wary of ever reading another book by this author.
August 12, 2022
This is my third Alcorn book. He's so good he has managed to get past my "he's still alive and not an independent Baptist" barriers. He is a must read for me at this point. He could have, and perhaps should write a theology of giving. This isn't that. It is a testimony of giving that teaches us along the way. His life shouts in this book, shouts loud and full and strong, and it is a beautiful thing. And while this book does not attempt to cover all of the objections to aspects of giving, and is occasionally unbalanced toward giving, it is a rather helpful book. It will make you think. It will warm your heart. It will bring conviction.
You cannot help but respect the man who wrote it, and that respect drives your attitude toward the author while you read. It deeply increases the impact of what would otherwise be just an above average little book.
You cannot help but respect the man who wrote it, and that respect drives your attitude toward the author while you read. It deeply increases the impact of what would otherwise be just an above average little book.
January 6, 2011
A gift book on a call to live The Treasure Principle,which says, “You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” This book contains 93 pages of a full exposition and application of Jesus' teaching on giving from Matthew 6:20-21. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Alcorn takes six principles and lays them out. This book is peppered with hard-hitting passages of scripture. You will be hard pressed to find a page without a reference or scriptural phrase tied in. Great illustrations of others joy in giving color the message of the book. The idea is to say at the end, “I really want to live this kind of life!”
Praise the Lord for Randy Alcorn. This little book has been sitting hard on my heart ever since I started reading it. Beth and I have been looking at houses, and these questions have been hitting us pretty often recenty...What kind of house? How much? How big? How new? How flashy? Etc. Oh, how I've been influenced by the American culture. Whether I say it or not, my thoughts are, what will others think? Will I have enough? It makes me sick to think that I would even think of hording the blessings God has been entrusted to me in the names of my comfort, security, ease or peace. Ouch. God has really blessed us. I have been reaching the conclusion that I cannot stretch myself financially to buy myself comfort. My stretching must only come when I am comforting the nations for the gospel's sake. Alcorn laid that out when he mentioned 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 and the 6th treasure principle, “God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.”
Needless to say, this book has been a life-changer in the area of my finances. God used much of this book to work me over about what I value in this life and what I value in the next. Because as treasure principle #3 says, “Heaven, not earth is my home.”
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Praise the Lord for Randy Alcorn. This little book has been sitting hard on my heart ever since I started reading it. Beth and I have been looking at houses, and these questions have been hitting us pretty often recenty...What kind of house? How much? How big? How new? How flashy? Etc. Oh, how I've been influenced by the American culture. Whether I say it or not, my thoughts are, what will others think? Will I have enough? It makes me sick to think that I would even think of hording the blessings God has been entrusted to me in the names of my comfort, security, ease or peace. Ouch. God has really blessed us. I have been reaching the conclusion that I cannot stretch myself financially to buy myself comfort. My stretching must only come when I am comforting the nations for the gospel's sake. Alcorn laid that out when he mentioned 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 and the 6th treasure principle, “God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.”
Needless to say, this book has been a life-changer in the area of my finances. God used much of this book to work me over about what I value in this life and what I value in the next. Because as treasure principle #3 says, “Heaven, not earth is my home.”
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
April 18, 2018
I think this is a great resource to examine one's attitude toward money and things in general. With the world being so materialistic, it is a great reminder about what is really important. At the end of our lives, will we really say "I am so glad that I had the latest gadgets" or "I made a difference in the world by trying to keep up with the latest fashions"? The focus was to be more like John Wesley, whom Mr. Alcorn quotes "Money never stays with me. It would burn me if it did. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart." It is not that money in and of itself is bad, but how it is used, and as Christians we will one day have to give an account with everything the Lord entrusted us with-- not only our talents and lives but also our money. Did we spend more of it on ourselves (outside of necessary living expenses) than on feeding the hungry, or trying to educate the impoverished, etc? I don't see the major theme as using money now to buy goods in heaven (although Jesus did talk about "laying up treasures in heaven" by what we do and give in our earthly life), but since Jesus himself did talk about this, Mr. Alcorn addresses it as well. I think that since Jesus addressed this, I don't find Randy Alcorn's addressing it objectionable. Even though, truly, everyone should give for purely altruistic reasons and cheerfully, I guess there are some that need a little extra encouragement and motivation.
April 5, 2012
The title may have changed slightly, because my 92 page softcover book is called "The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving". The frontcover graphic is also less intense.
As someone who is interested in general personal finance/money management issues, I enjoyed the author's Biblical perspective on giving. I agree that as Christians, we are called to give back to God and give to show Christ in the world. Overall, I appreciated his effort to motivate/persuade readers to shift perspectives from the earthly to the eternal - that we are merely God's stewards, and our money is not our own. ("The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." - Psalm 24:1) I loved his illustrations to help us grasp his points.
However, I think it's important to note that the intention of the book is to address only one aspect of being a good steward of the money entrusted to us - giving. The book is not intended to show us how to manage our money, but to show us the heart we should have as we think about giving. Overall, it was a worthwhile quick read! It challenged me to evaluate my own heart of giving. :)
As someone who is interested in general personal finance/money management issues, I enjoyed the author's Biblical perspective on giving. I agree that as Christians, we are called to give back to God and give to show Christ in the world. Overall, I appreciated his effort to motivate/persuade readers to shift perspectives from the earthly to the eternal - that we are merely God's stewards, and our money is not our own. ("The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." - Psalm 24:1) I loved his illustrations to help us grasp his points.
However, I think it's important to note that the intention of the book is to address only one aspect of being a good steward of the money entrusted to us - giving. The book is not intended to show us how to manage our money, but to show us the heart we should have as we think about giving. Overall, it was a worthwhile quick read! It challenged me to evaluate my own heart of giving. :)
January 1, 2012
A challenging book. Thinking about the concept of treasure and rewards in heaven isn't done too often. I appreciated the chance to dwell on the topic. If one were to take seriously the promise that we have rewards stored up for us in heaven then it challenges your nominal view of material possessions. I think this book challenges you to spend less of your energy on stuff and more on people.
November 1, 2012
While I believe in giving and supporting my church, I do not agree with the "principles" outlined in this book. At no point should people be pressured to give (including living by meager means), nor should people be left to feel guilty if they do not give enough. This book frustrated me more than shedding any light whatsoever on becoming a better Christian.
November 19, 2017
Randy Alcorn has some extreme things to say about money.
And by that I mean Randy Alcorn quotes Jesus with words that cut straight to the heart of a 21st century first-world citizen.
Short, poignant, challenging, and heart-reorienting. What will you do with your “Confederate” money?
And by that I mean Randy Alcorn quotes Jesus with words that cut straight to the heart of a 21st century first-world citizen.
Short, poignant, challenging, and heart-reorienting. What will you do with your “Confederate” money?
January 4, 2024
Reminded me of the giving chapter in David Platt’s Radical but this book differs by reminding us on having the end in mind - heaven and the eternal perspective - which should then alter how we steward our resources today. Randy Alcorn’s personal testimony shared in this book was a touching encouragement as well.
This book came as a recommendation from a generous and godly brother, and I second his recomendation as a resource on giving.
This book came as a recommendation from a generous and godly brother, and I second his recomendation as a resource on giving.
August 14, 2012
We don't give to get "treasures in heaven". We give out of a grateful heart. Too many things in this book rubbed me the wrong way.
December 4, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this book, although repetitive at times. It was an easy read, and I was challenged multiple times to rethink how I view money.
I specifically was inspired and motivated to have heaven-focused thoughts about money regarding my kids and what I leave them one day. What lasts and actually changes their lives isn’t leaving them money or property, but rather a love for the Lord, good character, loving your neighbor, and embodying a charitable posture myself so that they go forth and do the same when I’m gone.
I was also challenged from thinking about what you would write about yourself (or what others would write about you) in your obituary. What kind of person are you and what stands out that others would remember you by when you’re gone? This helps refocus our hearts to be thinking about death - not in a morbid way, but a healthy way that keeps us from getting too comfortable here.
One too many times during this read I felt a twinge in my gut at how I have forgotten the gift of giving to someone and how I too quickly go for something to get myself. This was a helpful reminder to be open handed with the money God has entrusted to me and seek out opportunities to give to others, even if small during this season of my life.
I specifically was inspired and motivated to have heaven-focused thoughts about money regarding my kids and what I leave them one day. What lasts and actually changes their lives isn’t leaving them money or property, but rather a love for the Lord, good character, loving your neighbor, and embodying a charitable posture myself so that they go forth and do the same when I’m gone.
I was also challenged from thinking about what you would write about yourself (or what others would write about you) in your obituary. What kind of person are you and what stands out that others would remember you by when you’re gone? This helps refocus our hearts to be thinking about death - not in a morbid way, but a healthy way that keeps us from getting too comfortable here.
One too many times during this read I felt a twinge in my gut at how I have forgotten the gift of giving to someone and how I too quickly go for something to get myself. This was a helpful reminder to be open handed with the money God has entrusted to me and seek out opportunities to give to others, even if small during this season of my life.
May 10, 2022
helpful and brief — sometimes wished alcorn dove just a little bit deeper but oh well.
some points that helped encouraged me to think:
-tithing (10%) as a floor, not a ceiling
-the danger of leaving an overwhelming inheritance for your children
some points that helped encouraged me to think:
-tithing (10%) as a floor, not a ceiling
-the danger of leaving an overwhelming inheritance for your children
April 1, 2009
This book has changed my relationship to stuff, my faith and how I live. Living in the US, I need to re-read it about every six months so that I don't forget the principles it teaches because it is so easy to lose focus on the most important things and be consumed by my desire to acquire.
March 15, 2024
I'd like to rate The Treasure Principle 3.5 stars if Goodreads would allow me. Overall, I appreciate most of what Randy Alcorn has to say in this short book.
(Also read in 2016)
(Also read in 2016)
March 6, 2017
This is a helpful little book and worth a few minutes of a Christian's consideration.
December 31, 2021
Great little nugget for my final read of the year. It presented me with a good challenge for the new year to "send my treasure on ahead".
August 15, 2022
Randy Alcorn is a gifted communicator and a compelling writer. The Treasure Principle challenged me in much needed ways, and made me think about my life differently in light of eternity.
It wasn’t a five star read for me because I think Alcorn has the tendency (that many other Christian authors/teachers have) of making absolute truth out of something that is not communicated that way in Scripture. He handles Scripture reverently and well, but I disagree on some of his interpretations.
Overall, would recommend!
It wasn’t a five star read for me because I think Alcorn has the tendency (that many other Christian authors/teachers have) of making absolute truth out of something that is not communicated that way in Scripture. He handles Scripture reverently and well, but I disagree on some of his interpretations.
Overall, would recommend!
January 2, 2021
In general, I enjoyed this book a lot. It challenged me and provided a new perspective to giving and generosity that I needed to hear. However, I felt like some of the claims Alcorn made about heavenly rewards were not entirely backed by scripture. If they were, then he did not fully explain where he drew his conclusions. This led to more confusion on the subject for me.
January 16, 2024
Fedt input til at være gavmild og have sine skatte i Himlen, ikke her på jorden. Han er bibelfokuseret i sin argumentation, og derfor får den 5 stjerner. Jeg er sucker for sådan nogle opmuntrende bøger til ens vandring i tro 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
July 24, 2020
This book will challenge you to spend every dollar that you ever make for the glory of God
October 29, 2021
I was given this book and told it was the best book my friend had read on tithing and Christian stewardship. It’s ok. There are some points that I noted. For example 1) tithing should be a starting point and not a finishing point. That’s new to me and also challenging. 2) I also appreciated the example of Scrooge and how he was able to transform into a cheerful giver after looking at his past and present. 3) I liked, of course, the story of Sam Houston wanting to pay half of his minister’s salary after coming to Christ because his “pocketbook had been baptized, too.” 4) And I loved Martin Luther’s quote: “I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in Gods hands, that I still possess.”
Maybe those points grabbed my attention more because I am a Texas Lutheran who loves Charles Dickens? 😊. Regardless, it is a short book and worth your time if you are seeking information on giving.
Maybe those points grabbed my attention more because I am a Texas Lutheran who loves Charles Dickens? 😊. Regardless, it is a short book and worth your time if you are seeking information on giving.
February 21, 2024
On the shorter side but packs a punch! To summarize, give back to God what he has given to us.
April 23, 2018
A biblical, eternal perspective on money, based on Matthew 6:19-21 ("Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven"). It's packed with verses. It ends with questions to ponder and use to evaluate your own money attitudes and behavior.
I read this because John Piper recommended it.
Notes
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." —Jim Elliot
We can have joy in this life as we look forward to the joy of the treasures we lay up in Heaven.
Those who sacrifice on earth will receive 100 times as much in Heaven. Matt 19:29.
Luke 16:9 tells us to use worldly wealth (earthly resources) to gain friends, by making a difference in their lives on earth. Our friends in Heaven will be those whose lives we touched on earth.
It's not wrong to be motivated by thought of heavenly reward. If it were, Christ wouldn't offer reward. It's His idea.
Jesus validated mandatory tithe even on small things (Matt 23:23), but there's no mention of tithing after gospels; it isn't commanded or rescinded. Every NT example of giving goes far beyond tithe. Giving God firstfruits is timeless principle. Does God expect New Covenant children to give less or more than Old Covenant? Jesus raised spiritual bar; He didn't lower it (Matt 5:27-28).
Paul encouraged voluntary giving, but also called it "obedience" (2 Cor 9:13), implying that God expects giving.
When wondering whether to give now or give potentially more later, ask 2 questions: How soon do I want to receive God's blessings? Do I want to be sure the money goes to God's Kingdom, or do I want to risk that it won't? God can produce greater returns than we can (Matt 19:29). By delaying, we risk money not being available to give in future.
Just because God puts His money in your hands, doesn't mean He intends for it to stay there (2 Cor 8:14-15).
God gives some more and some less so that His children can help each other. He doesn't want His children to have too much or too little (Prov 30:8-9).
Start your giving with your local Bible-believing church (Gal 6:6; 1 Cor 9:9-12). Beyond that, give to worthy missions and parachurch ministries, carefully evaluating them by biblical standards.
Questions to Ask
I wonder why I'm not more blessed financially. Could it be because I've been spending on myself first, rather than giving God firstfruits? Hag 1:4-11; Mal 3:8-11; Luke 6:38.
Jesus commended poor widow for giving all she had. Have I felt I don't have enough to give, even though greatest examples of giving in Scripture were poor people? Mark 12:43-44; 2 Cor 8:1-4; Gal 6:9-10.
Is my fear of health-related catastrophes and old age causing me to hold back my giving? Have I passed point of wisdom to hoarding rather than trusting? Matt 6:34; Prov 3:5-6; Phil 4:6, 19.
I read this because John Piper recommended it.
Notes
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." —Jim Elliot
We can have joy in this life as we look forward to the joy of the treasures we lay up in Heaven.
Those who sacrifice on earth will receive 100 times as much in Heaven. Matt 19:29.
Luke 16:9 tells us to use worldly wealth (earthly resources) to gain friends, by making a difference in their lives on earth. Our friends in Heaven will be those whose lives we touched on earth.
It's not wrong to be motivated by thought of heavenly reward. If it were, Christ wouldn't offer reward. It's His idea.
Jesus validated mandatory tithe even on small things (Matt 23:23), but there's no mention of tithing after gospels; it isn't commanded or rescinded. Every NT example of giving goes far beyond tithe. Giving God firstfruits is timeless principle. Does God expect New Covenant children to give less or more than Old Covenant? Jesus raised spiritual bar; He didn't lower it (Matt 5:27-28).
Paul encouraged voluntary giving, but also called it "obedience" (2 Cor 9:13), implying that God expects giving.
When wondering whether to give now or give potentially more later, ask 2 questions: How soon do I want to receive God's blessings? Do I want to be sure the money goes to God's Kingdom, or do I want to risk that it won't? God can produce greater returns than we can (Matt 19:29). By delaying, we risk money not being available to give in future.
Just because God puts His money in your hands, doesn't mean He intends for it to stay there (2 Cor 8:14-15).
God gives some more and some less so that His children can help each other. He doesn't want His children to have too much or too little (Prov 30:8-9).
Start your giving with your local Bible-believing church (Gal 6:6; 1 Cor 9:9-12). Beyond that, give to worthy missions and parachurch ministries, carefully evaluating them by biblical standards.
Questions to Ask
I wonder why I'm not more blessed financially. Could it be because I've been spending on myself first, rather than giving God firstfruits? Hag 1:4-11; Mal 3:8-11; Luke 6:38.
Jesus commended poor widow for giving all she had. Have I felt I don't have enough to give, even though greatest examples of giving in Scripture were poor people? Mark 12:43-44; 2 Cor 8:1-4; Gal 6:9-10.
Is my fear of health-related catastrophes and old age causing me to hold back my giving? Have I passed point of wisdom to hoarding rather than trusting? Matt 6:34; Prov 3:5-6; Phil 4:6, 19.
May 30, 2014
This is a deceptively powerful book. It does what I hope all books will do for me. it's changing the way that I think about how the world works. Here are some of my favorite quotes and thoughts. I hope to add more.
Why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Because there's a fundamental connection between their spiritual blindness think about it handle money. We may try to divorce her faith and her finances, but God sees them as inseparable.
Suppose I offer you $1000 today to spend however you want. Not a bad deal. But suppose I give you a choice you can either have that $1000 today or you can have $10 million one year from now, and ten million more every year after that. Only a fool would take that thousand dollars today. Yet that's what we do whenever we grab onto something that will last for only a moment, foregoing something far more valuable we could enjoy later for much Longer.
I got the idea from this book to make my personal library more of a loaning library.
Giving isn't a luxury of the rich. It's a privilege of the pool. I've discovered that Christians find no greater joy than in giving.
There have been days when I've lost focus, and then a need arises and God leads me to give. Suddenly I'm infused with energy, purpose, and joy. I feel God's pleasure.
He recommends taking a family trip to a junkyard as a powerful object lesson.
Why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Because there's a fundamental connection between their spiritual blindness think about it handle money. We may try to divorce her faith and her finances, but God sees them as inseparable.
Suppose I offer you $1000 today to spend however you want. Not a bad deal. But suppose I give you a choice you can either have that $1000 today or you can have $10 million one year from now, and ten million more every year after that. Only a fool would take that thousand dollars today. Yet that's what we do whenever we grab onto something that will last for only a moment, foregoing something far more valuable we could enjoy later for much Longer.
I got the idea from this book to make my personal library more of a loaning library.
Giving isn't a luxury of the rich. It's a privilege of the pool. I've discovered that Christians find no greater joy than in giving.
There have been days when I've lost focus, and then a need arises and God leads me to give. Suddenly I'm infused with energy, purpose, and joy. I feel God's pleasure.
He recommends taking a family trip to a junkyard as a powerful object lesson.
September 20, 2020
This book should be read by every human, but definitely by every American. It will reorient your thoughts about everything you own or want to own.
What is your treasure? Where is your treasure? What is the purpose of your treasure? This book will help you answer those questions in a God-honoring way. Mostly it is focused on the importance of generosity in a Christian’s life. He shows us the Biblical basis for generosity and then through examples and suggestions tries to teach us how to apply them to our own lives. Applied Biblically, they are wonderfully motivating and freeing.
There was a section that went too far in my opinion. He very strongly recommends not leaving money to your children if they don’t need it. Instead, he encourages you to give away all of your wealth instead. If that is what God directs you to do, certainly obey. But there is no Biblical evidence to support the implication that this should be the proper plan for every Christian. Instead, he sights your inability to control your money after death and the harm that winning the lottery can do. I believe it would be better to encourage Biblical sacrificial generosity, but let God direct individuals as to the amount they give. Otherwise we place an unBiblical burden on people.
I would still recommend it, but check it with the Bible.
What is your treasure? Where is your treasure? What is the purpose of your treasure? This book will help you answer those questions in a God-honoring way. Mostly it is focused on the importance of generosity in a Christian’s life. He shows us the Biblical basis for generosity and then through examples and suggestions tries to teach us how to apply them to our own lives. Applied Biblically, they are wonderfully motivating and freeing.
There was a section that went too far in my opinion. He very strongly recommends not leaving money to your children if they don’t need it. Instead, he encourages you to give away all of your wealth instead. If that is what God directs you to do, certainly obey. But there is no Biblical evidence to support the implication that this should be the proper plan for every Christian. Instead, he sights your inability to control your money after death and the harm that winning the lottery can do. I believe it would be better to encourage Biblical sacrificial generosity, but let God direct individuals as to the amount they give. Otherwise we place an unBiblical burden on people.
I would still recommend it, but check it with the Bible.
December 27, 2017
I am kind of torn on this one. I like that it lays out clearly the expectation with thithing, and how we have to have faith that God will provide, because we are being faithful to Him in our giving for His purpose.
What really bothers me was this focus on giving here on earth to receive our treasure/reward in Heaven. It feels like the focus of the treasure is solely money - what will I need money for in Heaven? I thought the purpose of giving was to help those in need and to help the ministry of my church.
What really bothers me was this focus on giving here on earth to receive our treasure/reward in Heaven. It feels like the focus of the treasure is solely money - what will I need money for in Heaven? I thought the purpose of giving was to help those in need and to help the ministry of my church.
March 14, 2009
I picked this book up used from Harvest Logos bookstore and I'm afraid that I'm going to donate it right back. I was looking for a resource to help me discover what the Bible says about money. While this little book has plenty of Bible references, it's essentially a glorified sermon on generosity with various proof texts attached. Mr. Alcorn's conculsion is good, but I think he oversimplifies the topic and fails to connect it with other aspects of money and stewardship.
December 2, 2014
I love Randy Alcorn books! I feel I got to know him even more deeply through this book and encouraged to look at giving in a whole new way even multiple different ways that are all interlinked! Praise God for this faithful man and this is defiantly a book I want for my library! Thank you Mr. Alcorn!
October 17, 2017
This heavenly kingdom minded book places Biblical giving in its place. The author describes the joy of giving without it being about drudgery. Using scripture, the author describes how giving to God invests in our heavenly future where our rewards cannot rust or be stolen away. Be prepared to grow. I highly recommend this book.
March 18, 2017
Fantastic! I feel like Mr. Alcorn has merely scratched the surface of what it means to be generous givers of all that we have. Wonderfully written. Scripture references throughout and properly exegeted. I will very likely read it again before handing it off to someone else.
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