The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving

by Randy Alcorn

Discover how the joy of giving can make your life richer, starting today.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. Jesus spent more time talking about money and possessions than about heaven and hell combined. But too often we’ve overlooked or misunderstood his most profound teaching on this topic, from his words in Matthew 6. Jesus offers us life-changing investment advice. He actually wants us to store up treasures for ourselves—just not here on earth. Instead, he urges us to store our treasure in heaven, where they will await us, and last forever. We can’t take it with us—but we can send it on ahead!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 how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. In 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 be. “Supercharged with stunning, divine truth! Lightning struck over and over as I read it.” - John Piper, Senior Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Faith, Finance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2001

About the author

Randy 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

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Tom Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Fei · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. :)

[Bear-it · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nathan Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best thing I’ve read on giving. Beats any book/article/series of messages I’ve read or heard.

[Shelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Lydia Guetzko · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Show me your bank statement, and I’ll show you what you value.” 😫

[Brooke Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Eli Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I truly believe every Christian should read it. It’s so short, clear, and concise yet profound. Randy took passages that I’ve heard my entire life and helped me actually understand them. I’ve been thinking about the book throughout my day as I’ve been reading the past few days and I know I will continue to process.

This book reminds me in ways of Tim Keller’s “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness” because it’s central idea is so simple yet can make such a difference.

[millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Gus Johannesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Your earthly bank account will be in shambles after reading this book. Good news is the treasures in heaven will be far more profitable for you. Great read, challenged me deeply and encouraged me toward the surpassing joy of giving.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joel Rockey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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)

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful little book and worth a few minutes of a Christian's consideration.

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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".

[Dayton Rumbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenging read. Falling into the heart of giving is falling into the heart of God. Jesus said it is better to give than receive.

Randy gives 6 principles that make up the treasure principle.

#1 God owns everything. I'm his money manager.
#2 my heart goes where I put God's money
#3 heaven, not earth, is my home
#4 I should live not for the present, but eternity
#5 giving is the antidote for materialism
#6 God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

Not giving 10 years in the future but giving today. When I decide not to give I'm robbing myself of joy. We are blessed to be a blessing.

[Allie Carlisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Josh Quesenberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking book that really calls you to joyful action. I loved how simply and strait forward the book was, while using scripture to back up all his thoughts.

The only thing I will say is the "questions to ask God" just felt like a repeat of all his major points, so some of them were worded more like he was making a point then a prayer.

[Stine Braüner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has given me a lot of food for thought. I grew up in a house that practiced a lot of these principles, but I needed the refresher course.

[Ryan Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will challenge you to spend every dollar that you ever make for the glory of God

[Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible and to the point. Christians, including myself, have a lot to ponder when it comes to giving. Materialism is a thief of joy

[Mwrogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the shorter side but packs a punch! To summarize, give back to God what he has given to us.