I thought I was reading this book for you because the topic of giving seems like an important one. But as it turned out, I needed to read it for me. Though I wanted to read The Treasure Principle—Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving, I didn't think I needed it. I believed I was pretty good at giving, and my husband is extremely generous. Together, I figured we had this concept of giving conquered: We tithe at our church and give additional offerings. We contribute to other ministries outside of our church as well as to charities. And, hey, we even give where needed to family and friends.

According to Randy Alcorn's The Treasure Principle, we're on the right path, but we have more work to do.

True Joy in Giving

To be truly joyful in giving, Alcorn writes that we need to think beyond what our material possessions can do for us on earth. We have to think, well, eternally. That's a huge step. I don't think it's a mindset anyone on earth would come up with. It's an idea straight from God: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Alcorn explains earthly treasure is not bad, it simply doesn't last. Or as we have heard before, “You can't take it with you.”

The Money Connection

The Treasure Principle takes us step by step to learn about committed, joyful giving. Alcorn talks in his book about a “money connection.” Using scripture, Alcorn points out that our spiritual lives and our possessions are intertwined.

The suggestion that our spirituality and our money are connected, reminded me of the story of Adam and Eve told in The Holy Bible. This couple gave up paradise for a possession—a bite of food! Think how much more wonderful life would have been for them if they had focused on God and heaven instead of centering their heart's desire on a thing.

We face similar choices everyday, just with different things. If we put God first, then we can have benefit of His wonderful blessings here on earth and even more so in heaven. However, if our hearts are disproportionately focused on possessions and money, then our reward is at best, temporary.

The Treasure Principle helps us understand the “money connection” and then moves us on from there. Alcorn goes on to define the treasure principle, discusses benefits of giving, roadblocks and how to get started. By the time you've completed the book, you've been given six keys to the “treasure principle.”

The Treasure Principle is one possession worth investing in. But don't keep it for yourself. After you've read this book make it one of those things you give away. The Treasure Principle is available at bookstores and on-line. You can read more about the author, Randy Alcorn at www.faithfulreader.com and at www.epm.org (Eternal Perspective Ministries).

This review originally appeared in “Impressions” which appears in The Potomac News-Manassas Journal Messenger. You can reach Deborah at deborah@shepherdsvoiceministries.org.