Review: 'Managing God’s Money' by Randy Alcorn
As part of our continuing education and our internal weekly meetings, our team collectively reads through and discusses various books on finances, stewardship, communication, and other various topics. This month, we want to highlight some of the books we have read covering the topic of stewardship.
Managing God’s Money is a book written by Randy Alcon, the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries and author of several other books focused on stewardship and financial management. Randy brings an incredibly unique perspective on Wealth as he has spent many years living on minimum wage. His story is fascinating, and it has given Randy time and expertise in a solid biblical understanding of financial stewardship. While not a difficult read, this book is dense, but the reader will walk away with the tools (and scriptural backing) to develop a more robust theology and view on wealth.
Why should you read this book? Across the many stewardship and financial books I have read, Alcorn’s “Managing God’s Money” is one of the better books at developing a strong, biblically based framework regarding wealth. After reading this book, you will walk away with a changed view of your money and possessions but also a strong knowledge of what the Bible says about God and money.
Overview of Managing God’s Money
The book is divided into the six major sections outlined below. As you read through it, you will discover well-sourced arguments around ownership, money misconceptions, as well as practical advice for decision making.
Section 1: Money and Possessions
Alcorn begins the book address three main topics: what does the Bible say about wealth, are we the owners of our wealth and what does stewardship mean? Scripture holds thousands of verses addressing money and wealth so we must regard it appropriately. Ultimately, Alcorn discusses, all belongs to God, and it becomes our responsibility and privilege to earn it, enjoy it, save it and give it.
Section 2: Perspectives that Impede Faithful Money Management
In the second section, Alcorn address incorrect perspectives that impede our ability to manage God’s wealth faithfully. Here are perspectives that Alcorn attacks:
Money is Bad: Does the Bible say money is evil? Is it possible to both follow God and make money?It’s All About Money: What isn’t life measured by? What’s wrong with wanting things?Ten Dangers of Materialism: Alcorn addresses topics such as how materialism destroys our spiritual lives, blinds us to the needs of others, promotes injustice and exploitation and fosters immortality.Battling Materialism in Christian Families: Alcorn then applies the previous discussion for a Christian family with a framework and discussion on how to combat the ever-present materialism in the Christian American home.Rethinking Prosperity Theology: Alcorn addresses prosperity gospel and the incorrect notion that God promises to provide us earthly wealth and riches upon obedience.
Section 3: Our Stewardship in Eternity’s Light
As he enters section 3, Alcorn proposes to the reader a choice structured around Matthew 6:24 which reads, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Alcorn then uses the rest of section 3 to establish why the reader should choose to serve the Lord and what the reader will gain by doing so.
Section 4: Giving and Sharing God’s Money and Possessions
Most of us hear stewardship and think of philanthropy or tithing. By Section 4, Alcorn has developed that Stewardship is much beyond that, and the reader is ready to approach philanthropy. Alcorn develops a few key points:
Tithing is the training wheels of giving. He addresses what the Bible says about tithing and poses a few good questions for the reader to consider.
We should pursue freewill giving (not compulsory). Alcorn answers the question “Why has God provided more than we need?”
Lastly, Alcorn addresses some compelling questions such as the following: Are we to blame for people’s poverty? Where should we give first? What should we look for when giving to a ministry?
Section 5: Wisely Handling God’s Money and Possessions
In Section 5, Alcorn presents a number of frameworks for practical applications of the prior discussions throughout the book. Alcorn provides guidance on the following topics:
Discipleship: Choosing a Strategic Lifestyle
Debt: Finding Freedom and Wisdom
Questions and Answers about Debt
Preparing for the Future: Savings Accounts and Retirement Funds
Looking for Returns: Gambling and Investing
Inheritance or Heritage: What to Leave Behind and What to Send Ahead
Section 6: Passing the Baton of Wise Stewardship
In the final section, Alcorn addresses tools and methods for teaching your children how to manage God’s money and possessions. Additionally, Alcorn presents topics for helping cultivate a culture of stewardship and giving within the church.
Conclusion
Alcorn’s introduction of the book also provides a good summary of Managing God’s Money. In the final sentences of the introduction, Alcorn writes “We were made for a person and a place. Jesus is the person and Heaven is the place. Letting this eternal perspective pervade our lives – including our view of what it means to be God’s money managers – will unlock the door to exhilarating Christian discipleship, where ‘following Christ’ is not a comforting yet meaningless cliché but an electrifying, life-changing reality.”
If you would like a copy of this book, fill out the contact information below, and I’ll send you a copy. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any one of these topics in more detail, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at michael@kingspath.com.
