“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 treasurers 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 (Matt 6:19-21 NIV).”
We are wrapping up Randy Alcorn’s The Treasure Principle by taking a quick look at his proposed covenant to assist on our road to giving:
A covenant is an agreement between you and God. God always keeps his covenants, and desires that we do the same. Therefore, we should carefully and prayerfully consider our heart’s desires and willingness to commit before entering into any covenant.
If, after reading The Treasure Principle, God is calling you to a higher level of responsibility concerning finances, spiritual gifts and talents, or the other resources that he has entrusted to your care, signing a covenant may be the way to go.
In summary, Alcorn’s Giving Covenant states:
1. “God has full ownership of me (1 Corin 6:19-20) and everything entrusted to me (Psalm 24:1) (pg 88).”
2. Give God your best offering as soon as you receive financial resources – starting with at least 10%. Details highlighted here: TTP – Chapter 5 Getting Started
3. “God has entrusted wealth to me so that I can be generous on every occasion (2 Corin 9:11) (pg. 89)”
4. “Ask God to teach me to give sacrificially to His purposes, including helping the poor and reaching the lost (pg 89).
5. Since we cannot take earthly treasures from this world, we can commit to store up our treasures in Heaven.
6. Share The Treasure Principle with others. (The book is cheap and makes a great gift. Continue the discussion by encouraging others to dialog and share their experiences here.)
Since Alcorn has provided these data points, the next step is to write a statement or personal covenant focusing on the truths acknowledged, and then document your commitment, “Therefore, I will…”
Remember the Lord’s words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).”
We will continue to reflect on The Treasure Principle for the remainder of this quarter. More exciting things to come!
What value do you place on giving? How has it changed your life?
© Natasha L. Robinson 2011
You may also like:
TTP – Chapter 3 Eyes on Eternity
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
Thanks for this reminder that all we have is God’s. It dovetailed nicely with chapter 7 in Crazy Love that we reviewed this morning.
I knew you were going through this book, but was surprised when our pastor started preaching its principles a few Sundays ago. Last Sunday he had a copy for every person in the church to take home!
Will look forward to learning more.
Hi Suzanne, My husband is going through “Crazy Love” in their men’s small group. I know that they are enjoying it. I’m trying to get to it this summer. Of course, I can’t wait to talk to you about it. This one and “Radical” I really want to read, but seems that my reading list keeps growing. I can’t even tell you how many books that I brought back from Synergy this year. They were quite generous!
Thanks, Tasha! Sent this on to my son!
Judy, Alcorn’s group can send you a card for his wallet (no charge) if you send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Eternal Perspective Ministries, 2229 East Burnside #23, Gresham, OR 97030.
The card reads, “God owns every treasure. I’m His investment manager,” and includes three scriptures that support the covenant principles. A creative reminder when we are opening our wallets to spend.
Love, Natasha