The Treasure Principle

1. God owns everything; we are His stewards

"God owns everything. I'm His money manager."

Divine ownership: Understanding this principle is fundamental to biblical stewardship. Everything we have - money, possessions, talents - belongs to God. We are merely managers of His resources, entrusted with them for a time.

Stewardship responsibility: As stewards, our role is to faithfully manage God's assets according to His will. This shift in perspective changes how we view and use money. Instead of asking, "How much of my money should I give to God?" we should ask, "How much of God's money should I keep for myself?"

• Key implications:
  • We are accountable to God for how we use His resources
  • Our decisions should align with God's purposes
  • Generosity becomes a natural response to God's ownership

2. Our hearts follow our treasure

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)

Emotional investment: Jesus teaches that our hearts naturally gravitate towards what we value most. When we invest our resources in God's kingdom, our affections and priorities align with His.

Practical application: This principle works both ways. If we want to change our heart's focus, we can start by changing where we invest our treasure. Giving to God's work not only impacts the recipients but also transforms the giver's heart.

• Examples of how giving shapes our hearts:
  • Increased compassion for those in need
  • Greater awareness of global missions
  • Deeper trust in God's provision
  • Reduced attachment to material possessions

3. Heaven, not Earth, is our true home

"We are pilgrims, strangers, aliens on Earth."

Eternal perspective: Recognizing that our citizenship is in heaven fundamentally changes how we view and use earthly resources. We're called to live as temporary residents, not permanent settlers.

Investment strategy: Just as a traveler wouldn't furnish a hotel room lavishly, we shouldn't over-invest in temporary earthly possessions. Instead, we're encouraged to store up treasures in heaven through generous giving and kingdom-focused living.

• Practical implications:
  • Prioritize eternal investments over temporary ones
  • Make decisions based on heavenly, not earthly, values
  • Live with a sense of detachment from material possessions
  • Cultivate a longing for our true home in eternity

4. Live for eternity, not just the present

"I should live not for the dot but for the line."

Eternal timeline: Alcorn uses the analogy of a dot (our brief earthly life) and a line (eternity) to illustrate the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Our choices today have consequences that extend far beyond our earthly existence.

Strategic living: Making decisions based on their eternal impact rather than just immediate gratification leads to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. This applies not only to financial choices but to all areas of life.

• Ways to live for eternity:
  • Invest time and resources in people's spiritual growth
  • Prioritize relationships and character over accumulating possessions
  • Make career and lifestyle choices that allow for greater kingdom impact
  • Regularly evaluate decisions in light of their eternal significance

5. Giving is the antidote to materialism

"Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater agenda. It dethrones me and exalts Him."

Breaking the grip: Materialism is a pervasive force in our culture, but generous giving has the power to loosen its hold on our hearts. By willingly parting with our possessions, we demonstrate that they don't control us.

Freedom through generosity: Counterintuitively, giving leads to greater contentment and joy than accumulating ever can. It aligns our hearts with God's purposes and frees us from the endless pursuit of more.

• Benefits of giving as an antidote to materialism:
  • Increased gratitude for what we have
  • Reduced anxiety about material possessions
  • Greater focus on relationships and spiritual growth
  • Experience of God's joy and pleasure in our generosity

6. God prospers us to raise our giving, not our lifestyle

"God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving."

Divine purpose: When God blesses us financially, it's not primarily for our own comfort or status. He entrusts us with resources so that we can be more generous in supporting His work and helping others.

Stewardship mindset: This principle challenges us to view financial increase as an opportunity for greater impact rather than personal indulgence. It calls for intentional choices about lifestyle and spending.

• Practical application:
  • Set a reasonable standard of living and maintain it even as income grows
  • Increase giving proportionally (or more) as income increases
  • Regularly reassess spending habits and giving patterns
  • Seek God's guidance on how to use unexpected financial blessings

7. Joyful giving leads to eternal rewards

"Giving is the only antidote to materialism."

Heavenly investment: Jesus promises that our generosity on earth results in treasures stored up in heaven. These eternal rewards far outweigh any temporary sacrifices we might make.

Present joy: While eternal rewards are significant, giving also brings immediate joy and satisfaction. It aligns us with God's purposes and allows us to participate in His work of blessing others.

• Types of eternal rewards:
  • God's commendation: "Well done, good and faithful servant"
  • Deeper relationships with those we've helped
  • Increased capacity for joy and service in eternity
  • Treasures that will never decay or be stolen

8. Start with tithing, then grow in generosity

"Tithing isn't the ceiling of giving; it's the floor. It's not the finish line of giving; it's the starting blocks."

Biblical foundation: While the New Testament doesn't mandate tithing, it can serve as a helpful starting point for developing a habit of generous giving. It establishes the principle of giving God the first portion of our income.

Growing in grace: As we experience the joy of giving and grow in our trust of God, we're encouraged to move beyond the tithe to more sacrificial and proportional giving. This growth reflects a deepening understanding of God's grace and provision.

• Steps to grow in generosity:
  • Start with a consistent tithe (10% of income)
  • Gradually increase giving percentage as faith and circumstances allow
  • Look for opportunities to give above regular giving
  • Cultivate a lifestyle of generosity in all areas of life

9. Give now, not later

"Death isn't your best opportunity to give; it's the end of your opportunity to give."

Urgency of giving: Alcorn emphasizes the importance of giving generously during our lifetime rather than waiting until death to distribute wealth. This allows us to experience the joy of giving and see the impact of our generosity.

Risks of delay: Postponing giving carries several risks, including changes in financial circumstances, shifts in personal convictions, or unexpected death. Giving now ensures that our resources are used according to our intentions.

• Advantages of giving now:
  • Personal involvement in how gifts are used
  • Opportunity to see the impact and fruit of giving
  • Teaching children and others by example
  • Avoiding the temptation to hoard wealth

10. Giving benefits the giver and glorifies God

"God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Mutual blessing: While giving certainly benefits the recipients, it also brings joy, purpose, and spiritual growth to the giver. It's a win-win situation that reflects God's generous nature.

God's glory: Ultimately, our giving is an act of worship that brings glory to God. It demonstrates our trust in His provision and our alignment with His purposes for the world.

• Benefits to the giver:
  • Increased joy and sense of purpose
  • Freedom from materialism and greed
  • Deeper trust in God's provision
  • Participation in God's work of blessing others
• Ways giving glorifies God:
  • Reflects His generous character
  • Demonstrates faith in His promises
  • Advances His kingdom purposes
  • Inspires others to trust and obey God

Last updated: January 23, 2025