I’m so excited to have found Randy Alcorn’s blog.
He is the author of Money, Possessions and Eternity, a very influential book for Mr. TommyD and me. I think that book, coupled with the “wartime lifestyle” preaching of our church, helped Mr. TommyD and I to set our financial priorities Godward early on in our marriage. I recommend it to anyone needing a dose of Biblical truth regarding their perspective on finances and the kingdom of God.
I first read this Q & A article, Paying Down Debt and Giving, a couple weeks ago and I thought he handled it beautifully. Here’s the gist of the dilemma faced by the questioner:
We have been counseled in a number of ways on this [meaning facing a large amount of debt]. One is that you continue giving SO THAT God will meet your need (which is much like the “prosperity gospel” and we believe the motive for giving is not right). Then we were taught that we need to be faithful, even if the budget is tight, to give at least 10%, and that that should be our FIRST check we make out each month (even if we know we won’t make our other bills) as evidence of the priority of God and His church in our lives. We’ve also heard it taught that since we’re in debt, our money is not our own so we need to work really hard to pay that back so that our money is freed to give back to God.
Mr. Alcorn responds with uncompromising truth from God’s Word that commands us always to give our first fruits to God, whether in debt or not. Here’s his finally summary (although it’s worth reading the whole thing):
To change the direction of our lives we need to prayerfully make wise decisions, and nothing is wiser than giving first to God, cutting back our expenditures wherever we can, and systematically paying off our debts to others, having placed ourselves through our faithful giving under God’s blessing instead of His curse. I wish you the best as you experience the adventure of God’s faithful provision when you are committed to being His faithful steward.
It was a great reminder and encouragement to me, as was his post from yesterday called, How to Live Wisely Financially.
So, whether you’re having financial trouble or not, his blog is sure to offer Biblical wisdom in many areas of life. Check it out.
1 Comment
July 29, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Damn, that sound’s so easy if you think about it.