Money
is a difficult subject in today’s world, but a very important one especially for Christians who want to honor God. We live in a
materialistic world with quick credit. It’s easy to get into debt and often hard
to resist the many “things” we are tempted to buy. Also expenses are high for
housing, for college, and for all the “necessary” things to live a good life.
The two books reviewed below will help you sort out your own priorities. They
will challenge you to think about how you spend your money and how you value
your things. They will even help you change your ways!
Money, Possessions and Eternity
By Randy Alcorn
This
is an outstanding, well written, comprehensive book clearly explaining biblical
truths about money and possessions and clearly exploring the materialism of our
culture. Why does the title include “eternity?” Randy Alcorn says “our use of
money and possessions is a decisive statement of our eternal values. What we do
with our money loudly affirms which kingdom we belong to.” pg. xv He focuses on the eternal implications
throughout the book and says in the introduction that “There is something in
this book to offend everyone.” pg. xvi
Money, Possessions and Eternity is 421 pages long and in addition contains practical
appendices and a study guide. Alcorn addresses how to manage our money, the
importance of giving and giving more than ever, how to set priorities, and how
to avoid hoarding. This is a book I will read over and over again.
Seven: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess
By Jen Hatmaker
Jen
Hatmaker designed an experiment to address greed, materialism and indulgence in
our culture. The author’s emphasis is on protecting the environment and helping
others in need. She and her family and friends limited themselves in 7 areas –
one each month. For example, they agreed to wear only seven articles of
clothing (not counting underwear) for one month. The other areas were food,
possessions, media, waste, spending, and stress. Yes, she and her husband ate
only seven foods in month number one.
Hatmaker details their plans and their
successes and failures at limiting their way of life. She also details the
learning they derived from each month long experiment. The book held my
interest, it’s well written, with humor. The chapter on stress is excellent and
offered a way to practice being still – with prayer seven times a day. This
book seemed somewhat contrived – yet is worth reading.
“Don’t worry about things, Saying, ‘What will
we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the
thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly father already knows all your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God
Blessings,
Dottie
No comments:
Post a Comment