The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving (LifeChange Books) (Hardcover)

by Randy Alcorn (Author) "A first-century Hebrew walks alone on a hot afternoon, staff in hand..." (more)
Key Phrases: earthly treasures, Treasure Principle, John Wesley, Alfred Nobel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this first book in the new LifeChange series, bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduces readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity that will change lives around the world. Ninety-five percent of Christians have never come to terms with a biblical perspective on their material possessions, Alcorn writes. God has entrusted His wealth to us and called upon us to manage and invest His money. This is in everyone's best interests, including our own. 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.

About the Author
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. His books include the bestsellers Deadline, Dominion, Lord Foulgrin's Letters, and Edge of Eternity, as well as his latest novels Safely Home and The Ishbane Conspiracy. He's also written eight nonfiction books, including the stewardship classic Money, Possessions, and Eternity. He and his wife, Nanci, live in Gresham, Oregon, and have two grown daughters, Karina and Angela.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (October 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576737802
• ISBN-13: 978-1576737804
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #339,374 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous Treasure, April 12, 2002

By	Ashley Hodge (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This book is fantastic. It is concise, motivational, and profound. I read it the first time and thought it was great, and then went back and took notes for a second reading and thought it was even better. This would be a great book to study with a small group or just discussing as a book club with friends.

Alcorn does a great job of using illustrations and stories to motivate believers to think "eternally" about every giving, saving and spending decision. This is the heart of true stewardship.

The main principles of the book are important to memorize and carry them on our hearts:

Principle #1- God owns everything. I am His money manager.
Principle #2- My heart always goes where I put God's money.
Principle #3- Heaven, not Earth, is my home.
Principle #4- I should live for the line (eternity), not the dot(short life on earth).
Principle #5- Giving is the only antidote for materialism.
Principle #6- God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

I highly recommend this great book. The only drawback in my opinion is his focus on tithing and using Malachi 3:8-10 as a verse to support his belief that tithing still applies.

He makes compelling arguments for teaching tithing as a starting point (Christians give on average 2-3 percent of their income), but I believe the "Church" abuses this doctrine in most cases. The bigger message is stewardship. If believers understand that... the tithe is totally inapplicable. I agree with his heart on this issue, but disagree with his belief that the tithe should be taught.

But that is a minor deal in the overall scheme of things. The book is a treasure that I will pass out to friends, family and re-read many times until these principles are lived out in my own life.

Ashley Hodge, CFP
Southlake, TX

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Grandslam, December 29, 2001

By	Keith Krell (Olympia, WA) - See all my reviews

If you are passionate about making your life count for eternity, it is essential that you read "The Treasure Principle." This book will teach you how to eternally invest your financial resources. Contrary to the health, wealth, and prosperity movement, Alcorn will challenge and motivate you from the Bible to use your money for the advancement of God's kingdom. Since we can't take any of our financial resources with us once we die, Alcorn encourages us to "send our money ahead" for the pure joy that comes from giving and also so that we will experience great rewards in eternity.

Because I'm a busy pastor and have much to read, I typically skim books but I couldn't do so with this book. Randy Alcorn is a life-changing writer who pierces my heart with his every word. When Alcorn writes, there are no singles; every sentence is a Home Run! This forces me to be an expectant reader and to discard my highlighter because everything should be highlighted. If you care about your eternal home, spend your money wisely and buy this book!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Teaching for the New or Struggling Christian, October 27, 2003

By	R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Established Christians should already understand the truths brought forth in this small (92 page) book, but unfortunately, too many either do not or do not practice the truths they know. New Christians often have never heard the principles listed. Too many churches are too quiet on the subject of money. This book will make an excellent teaching tool for confirmation classes, discipleship groups, and home Bible studies.

This book does not cost much, will help Christians grow, and could help strengthen the church. The book is filled with pithy quotes like this one, "It's increasingly common for Christians to ask one another the tough questions: How is your marriage? Have you been spending time in the Word? How are you doing in terms of sexual purity? Have you been sharing your faith? but how often do we ask, 'How much are you giving to the Lord?' or 'have you been robbing God?' or 'Are you winning the battle against materialism?'" (p.81).

The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because it didn't present any information that was new to me.