Once every few years, you come up on one of those books that I call a "life altering book." It is the kind of book that makes you re-think your previous understanding on a subject or teaching. One of these books that have had a big impact in my thinking is one on money by Randy Alcorn titled, "The Treasure Principle." I would encourage you to pick up a copy of this book as soon as possible and let it’s biblical teaching on teasure start to reshape your thoughts on money.
The Bible says that the way
that you handle your money determines how much God can bless your life. Jesus said it. The Bible says that the way that you handle
your money is the evidence of your spiritual maturity. And if you don’t manage your money well, if
you’re not responsible with your finances, the Bible says that God is not going
to trust you with the responsibility of true spiritual blessings.
16:11, “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealthy, who
will trust you with true riches?” Your personal responsibility with your finances determines how much God
can bless your life. Finances are tests
of character.
Here’s the principle: whatever you want God to bless in your life,
put Him first in it. You want God to
bless your relationships? Put Him first
in your relationships. You want God to
bless your time? Put Him first in your
time. You want God to bless your money? Put Him first in your money.
related to giving in the Bible than any other subject. Why? Because God wants you to learn to be like Him and God is a giver. Let me give you one:
3:9-10, “Honor the LORD with your
wealth, with the first fruits(first part) of all your crops; then your barns
will be filled to overflowing!” Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
The greatest things in life aren’t things. This is why you have to redecorate all the
time. Things don’t change and we get
bored with them. That’s why the car that
you used to think was so cool, you’re bored with now. That’s why the decorations you thought were
so great, you’re bored with now. That’s
why the computer you bought last week is already out of date. Things don’t change and people do. So you’re never ultimately going to be
satisfied by things. What do I value and who do I trust?
secure because of my gold? Does my happiness depend on my wealth and all that I
own? If so, I should be punished by the judges, for it would mean I had denied
the God of heaven.” Job 31:24-25, 28 (NLT)