The Dot and the Line

One of my favorite authors is Randy Alcorn. He has written many books, some are fictional stories (“Safely Home” is an incredible read) others are non-fictional works (everyone should own a copy of “Heaven”), but all are focused on Christian living.

Recently, I had reason to review a little book of his entitled, “The Treasure Principle.” It is a 93 page discourse on discovering the secret of joyful giving. Randy starts with the ‘treasure principle” where he declares, “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” And then he goes on to develop six treasure principle keys. At a time when our whole world seems fixated on finances, I think these principles are worth mulling over…

Key # 1: God owns everything. I am His money manager

Key # 2: My heart always goes where I put God’s money.

Key # 3: Heaven, not earth is my home.

Key #4: I should not live for the dot, but for the line. (More on this one in a second.)

Key # 5: God is the only antidote to materialism.

Key #6: God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

Money was an important topic to Christ. About 15% of everything He said had to do with finances. We can grasp the basis of His teaching in Matthew chapter six, verse 19-21.

“…Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves brake through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

How we deal with money reveals the inner intent of our hearts. Randy’s six keys are a great reminder of how we should be dealing with the financial resources the Lord has given us.

And particularly, we should pay attention to Key #4, the dot and the line principle. The line represents eternity. For the believer, we have an endless line of life to enjoy with Christ. Because of His work on the cross, we look forward to an unending sequence of days with God.

The dot represents our life here on earth. It is but just a moment in the scheme of things. . It is just a brief stop over in the pursuit of eternal life. So what are we living for, the dot (the here and now) or the line (our eternal life with Christ)?

Consider how you are dealing with your finances right now. Are you consumed with the dot or are you resting in the line?

Regards in Christ,
Sherry L. Worel
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools