Treasure Principle

This short production is packed with inspiration and challenge to Christians. Randy Alcorn has a unique ability to express his thoughts in writing, and narrator Paul Michael voices them in a slow and measured way to give listeners time to consider them. Alcorn confronts a Christian who puts all his energy into garnering for himself an affluent lifestyle that will eventually pass away. The "treasure principle" refers to laying up treasures in heaven, which will not pass away. Giving to others and seeking to glorify God with our earthly treasure will turn into eternal treasure. Accumulating wealth just to have wealth will never bring peace and joy. True riches come by putting God first. The message is inspiring and thought provoking. N.L. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

September 5, 2005
"When you discover the secret joy of the Treasure Principle, I guarantee you'll never be content with less." So claims Alcorn in the introduction to this small gift book on Christian generosity. Noting that fifteen percent of Christ's teachings in the New Testament deal with money and possessions-more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined-Alcorn compares heavenly treasure, which is eternal, with earthly riches, which "will always be lost" after death. Alcorn encourages Christians to understand that everything they believe they own is actually God's; they are merely managers. He is a compelling storyteller, whether drawing on Scripture, accounts of others who have lived generously, or recounting his own experiences; all of his book royalties and a large portion of his salary go to charity. Analyzing the pervasive disease of "affluenza" and the fact that Americans' unprecedented wealth does not seem to be bringing extraordinary happiness, he says that he and other people who have discovered the secret of unfettered giving know that they are storing up treasures in heaven, their true home. Alcorn's writing here is more akin to a motivational speech (including an overabundance of rhetorical questions, italicized words and exclamation points for emphasis) than a book. However, many Christians will appreciate his countercultural messages that "giving is the only antidote to materialism" and the "health and wealth gospel dishonors Christ." Indeed, for many, this could be a life-changing book.