Giving Guidelines To Fight Materialism With Randy Alcorn

Show Notes

Randy Alcorn is the author of over 60 books on Christian Living and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. 

WHY IS MATERIALISM A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA?

Materialism is a significant challenge, especially in America, because it acts like a false god or idol, as identified by Jesus. This idolatry of materialism is often overlooked in our culture. Accumulating possessions leads to being in orbit around our wealth, even for Christians striving to honor God.

• Materialism, likened to a false god 'mammon', exerts a powerful hold over people's lives.
• The accumulation of possessions creates a gravitational pull, making us orbit around our wealth.
• This challenge affects everyone, including Christians, making it difficult to focus solely on honoring God.

WHAT ARE THE PRECONDITIONS TO THE GUIDELINES FOR GIVING?

The preconditions to giving involve recognizing ourselves as stewards of God's resources, not owners. This stewardship perspective is essential, although often overlooked. Happiness and contentment come from giving, aligning with Jesus' teaching about the joy found in generosity.

• Understanding that we are stewards, not owners, of our resources is crucial.
• Recognizing God as the ultimate owner shifts our perspective on money and possessions.
• The act of giving leads to happiness, echoing Jesus' teachings about the joy in generosity.

HOW SHOULD WE APPROACH GIVING, AND WHAT ARE SOME GUIDELINES?

Approaching giving should involve making it a habit, similar to other habitual actions. Generosity is cultivated through giving, regardless of one's current feelings about it. Tithing is seen as a starting point, and regular giving keeps the focus on generosity. Sacrificial giving, like the biblical widow's offering, and giving worshipfully are also important aspects.

• Cultivating the habit of giving, similar to other daily routines, is important for developing generosity.
• Generosity grows through the act of giving, regardless of initial feelings about it.
• Tithing is a baseline for giving, and regular giving helps maintain a focus on generosity.
• Sacrificial and worshipful giving are key components, reflecting true generosity and devotion.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SYSTEMATIC GIVING?

Systematic giving is significant because it helps inculcate a habit of generosity. Regular giving, like checking one's blood sugar or brushing teeth, becomes a natural part of life. This habit keeps one's focus on giving and opens eyes to opportunities for generosity.

• Regular giving fosters a habit of generosity and keeps our focus on giving opportunities.
• Systematic giving is akin to other regular life activities that cultivate specific habits or mindsets.
• Consistency in giving ensures a sustained focus on generosity and awareness of giving opportunities.

WHAT DOES GIVING SACRIFICIALLY LOOK LIKE?

Sacrificial giving, exemplified by the New Testament story of the widow's offering, involves giving from one's scarcity. It's not about the amount but the heart and intention behind the giving. This type of giving reflects true generosity and aligns with biblical principles of giving.

• Sacrificial giving is giving out of scarcity or poverty, as shown by the widow in the New Testament.
• It's the intention and heart behind the giving that defines it as sacrificial.
• This form of giving reflects deep generosity and adherence to biblical teachings on giving.

HOW DOES GIVING WORSHIPFULLY TRANSFORM OUR APPROACH TO GIVING?

Giving worshipfully transforms our approach by focusing on God's grace and greatness. It involves becoming more like Christ through our acts of giving, moving beyond mere transactions to a form of worship and emulation of God's character.

• Focusing on God's grace while giving transforms it into an act of worship.
• This form of giving is about emulating Christ's generosity and godliness.
• Worshipful giving goes beyond transactional acts and reflects a deeper devotion to God's teachings.

ON TODAY’S PROGRAM, ROB ANSWERS LISTENER QUESTIONS:  

• My wife and I manage on a single income and often end up using credit cards to cover expenses, but we struggle to stay within our budget. How should we handle occasional monetary gifts from my parents?
• I received quotes for long-term care insurance but find the monthly premiums high, especially the ones with inflation protection. I'm considering a more affordable option without inflation protection. What's your opinion on this?

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