I just finished reading the book "Money, Possessions, & Eternity" by Randy Alcorn. I thought I'd share some of what I learned, especially considering the gist of his book is exactly what God has revolved our ministry around.
I can't go into listing all or even some of the scriptures that Alcorn uses in his book because there are more verses on the topic of money in the Bible than there are on both prayer and faith combined! Essentially, though, the inevitable truth is that we are all going to have to give an account to God when we stand before His throne for every cent that He entrusted to us. Every penny we get is from Him and it is up to us as to how we use it. Whether you've given your heart to the Lord or not, you will have to answer whether you used His resources for your own gain or to further the kingdom of heaven.
After listing many scriptures and points, Alcorn says that in order to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant," we must be faithful with what He entrusts to us. After all, we are merely stewards of everything we are given. Do we hoard possessions, money, and resources for our own gain, making this world "comfortable" for us, only to find eternal discomfort? As the Bible states in the parable of the Rich Man, your life could be demanded from you tonight and you will be empty-handed before the Throne of God. As the saying goes, "You never see a U-Haul following a hearse." This is a tough truth and not one many people like to discuss. If people find it offensive, is that our heart's way of avoiding conviction? Considering the amount of scripture on this topic, it must be very important to God that we discuss it and encourage each other rather than wait until the day of judgment when it's too late. I'm choosing to stand before Him and say that I followed this truth and encouraged others towards it.
There's obviously a lot more to this book, but the majority of it centers around how our giving (or lack thereof) is the fruit that displays where our hearts are. Do we make our 80 or so years of life on this earth comfortable or strive to make our millions of years in heaven be filled with reward? The Bible is very clear that when we get to heaven (given that our hearts are dedicated to the Lord and we go there), we will be rewarded according to what we have done with what God has given us. Alcorn recommends choosing a specific standard of living that isn't at a level of luxury and then giving to the Lord's causes everything above and beyond that. For those who aren't "rich," he reminds us that we are in the top 15% of the world's wealthiest if we have two cars, electronics, and a home. Do we use our income to the fullest and maximize what kind of house we can have? These truths really hit home with me as this was our train of thought less than 2 years ago.
Anyway, this is a must-read for all of God's children. What you hear from God when you face Him on judgment could, and very well may, depend on it. I have put a link to his ministry on the links section-it's Eternal Perspectives Ministry.
With Hope for Eternal Rewards,
Sara
I can't go into listing all or even some of the scriptures that Alcorn uses in his book because there are more verses on the topic of money in the Bible than there are on both prayer and faith combined! Essentially, though, the inevitable truth is that we are all going to have to give an account to God when we stand before His throne for every cent that He entrusted to us. Every penny we get is from Him and it is up to us as to how we use it. Whether you've given your heart to the Lord or not, you will have to answer whether you used His resources for your own gain or to further the kingdom of heaven.
After listing many scriptures and points, Alcorn says that in order to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant," we must be faithful with what He entrusts to us. After all, we are merely stewards of everything we are given. Do we hoard possessions, money, and resources for our own gain, making this world "comfortable" for us, only to find eternal discomfort? As the Bible states in the parable of the Rich Man, your life could be demanded from you tonight and you will be empty-handed before the Throne of God. As the saying goes, "You never see a U-Haul following a hearse." This is a tough truth and not one many people like to discuss. If people find it offensive, is that our heart's way of avoiding conviction? Considering the amount of scripture on this topic, it must be very important to God that we discuss it and encourage each other rather than wait until the day of judgment when it's too late. I'm choosing to stand before Him and say that I followed this truth and encouraged others towards it.
There's obviously a lot more to this book, but the majority of it centers around how our giving (or lack thereof) is the fruit that displays where our hearts are. Do we make our 80 or so years of life on this earth comfortable or strive to make our millions of years in heaven be filled with reward? The Bible is very clear that when we get to heaven (given that our hearts are dedicated to the Lord and we go there), we will be rewarded according to what we have done with what God has given us. Alcorn recommends choosing a specific standard of living that isn't at a level of luxury and then giving to the Lord's causes everything above and beyond that. For those who aren't "rich," he reminds us that we are in the top 15% of the world's wealthiest if we have two cars, electronics, and a home. Do we use our income to the fullest and maximize what kind of house we can have? These truths really hit home with me as this was our train of thought less than 2 years ago.
Anyway, this is a must-read for all of God's children. What you hear from God when you face Him on judgment could, and very well may, depend on it. I have put a link to his ministry on the links section-it's Eternal Perspectives Ministry.
With Hope for Eternal Rewards,
Sara
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