Treasure Principle
by Wyatt Houtz   February 10, 2007 11:18am v.17 Rating: Status: Hidden

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Moody Church gave out copies of Randy Alcorn's book the "Treasure Principle" but I never read it until John Piper mentioned it during a podcast on Luke 12:13-32. The book starts with this famous Jim Eliot quote: "He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Alcorn uses several powerful verses to explain how a Christian should manage money and possessions (mammon). Let me reference two verses he used: 1. 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. (ESV Matthew 13:44) 2. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (ESV Luke 12:33-34) Alcorn explains that we are not to feel sorry for the man in verse 1 because his sacrifice to buy the field was insignificant compared to the return-on-investment, and we should envy that man and follow his example! I never realized that it says  "in his joy" that he sacrificed everything he had to receive something greater. John Piper has changed my view of God with his powerful axiom, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." Christians are not altruists, who do good without expecting anything in return, but Christians are hedonists who do everything to receive more from God. As Dr. Piper said, "it is sacrilege to think anything is more satisifying than God."  Alcorn then uses verse 2 to explain that everything we possess in this life will end in the junkyard, so it is foolish to waste money on things that won't transfer to possessions in heaven. He used the example of Confederate currency during the Civil War, and said that if you didn't convert it into U.S. currency then it would be all lost when the Civil War ended. Alcorn explains that everything we have will be lost later (either when we die or Jesus returns) and will be as useless as Confederate currency is now useless. He also argues that it is better to invest what you have now, rather than saving up to give later, because of the "hundred fold" principle in Matthew 19:29 because God returns more than any shrewd investment and that our hearts are fickle and may not give the money when it matures. There are six "Treasure Principle Keys" in the book: God owns everything. I'm His money manager. My heart always goes where I put God's money. Heaven, not earth, is my home. I should live not for the dot, but for the line. Giving is the only antidote to Materialism. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving. Dr Piper and Dr Lutzer both have recommend this book, and agree with Alcorn that we should maintain a "war-time lifestyle" and live on the minimum we can afford so that we can wisely invest all of our money into the Kingdom so that is not lost when this life ends. Its foolish to throw your money away on this life, when eternal life is around the corner! Retirement may be thirty years away, but eternity could start tomorrow. They suggest finding a minimum income to live on, and then any excess should be given away to invest in heavenly treasures. It mentions people who have matured past the 10% tithe to the joy of giving 65%, 75%, or even 95% of their salary away. And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (ESV Luke 12:15) Alcorn makes a persuasive argument that money and happiness are at odds. He laments to physics and explains that as mass increase, its hold increases, and likewise, the pressures of having massive wealth is overwhelming. The book ends with this six point summary in its Giving Covenant: I affirm God’s full ownership of me and everything entrusted to me. I set aside the firstfruits—at least 10 percent—of every wage and gift I receive as holy and belonging exclusively to the Lord. Out of the remaining treasures God entrusts to me, I seek to make generous freewill gifts. I ask God to teach me to give sacrificially to His purposes, including helping the poor and reaching the lost. Recognizing that I cannot take earthly treasures from this world, I determine to lay them up as heavenly treasures—for Christ’s glory and the eternal good of others and myself. I ask God to show me how to lead others to the present joy and future reward of the Treasure Principle. And finally, I was challenged by Alcorn's discourse from verse 2 and says that if there is somewhere that we want to improve, then we should invest money in it, because then our heart will desire it. He argues that if you invest in GM Stock, then you'll read financial reports and information on GM. It's interesting to consider that when I give money to missions, then I will think about missions much more! I read the "Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn in an hour and a half, and challenge you to read it and consider how you can apply it to your own life!   Last Update: August 3, 2007 12:55pm Tags:

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Comments: #1 July 26, 2007 9:22am Hmmm... I have investments in several very large firms but don't read the financial reports... maybe I need to get my act together. :) Seriously though, thanks for posting the good thoughts - and highlights from the book. Great stuff. Jeremy http://www.ardentperf.com/category/non-technical chicago Add a comment: Name: Email: WWW: AIM: Location: Comment: PublicPrivate