image The Treasure Principle
by Randy Alcorn

The underlying basis for this book is the concept: "You can’t take it with you–but you can send it on ahead." He knows that we’re only on this planet for a short while. He divides the principle into six keys:

1. God owns everything. I’m His money manager.
2. My heart always foes where I put God’s money.
3. Heaven, not earth, is my home.
4. I should live not for the dot but for the line.
5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism.
6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

The author has some good points. We should understand that earthly possessions won’t last. We’ll either lose them in this life, or we’ll lose them when we die. He makes the reader think about how money could be used to help others.

There are some problems with the book, however. The author author places so much emphasis on doing good works in this life to receive treasure in Heaven that he doesn’t even mention HOW Christians can do ANYTHING good. The only way we can do anything that’s pleasing to God is if HE is working in and through us. The author states that every single good thing that is done in this life is written in a book in Heaven and at the end of the world every single thing that each person has done will be rewarded. His emphasis is all wrong.

The author seems to be saying that any financial planning for the future is wrong. He also states that leaving a lot of money for your children is wrong.

There has to be some sort of middle ground. The Lord has given us this planet and all that it has to offer to enjoy. Are all forms of entertainment wrong? Are hobbies wrong? He states that husbands should support their families but basically with bare necessities. Anything more than that is wrong. The money should be given away. But it should not be given to any secular organizations but only religious ones. At one point in the book the author was upset that a young man’s friends talked him out of selling his house and giving the money to the poor. I’m not sure I understand how he justifies owning his own home.

There has to be a balance. The Lord would have us use our money wisely. But we shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for enjoying the gifts that the Lord gives us. Our thoughts should be on how we can help others, not on how many treasures we’re building in Heaven. The Lord will take care of that.