Randy Alcorn: Rationalizationand Recommitment

Where are the prophetic voices in churches decrying our self-centered affluence and indifference to global needs and calling us to a joyful generosity that exalts Christ, helps the hurting, and fills our souls to overflowing?

…Our powers of rationalization are unlimited. They allow us to live in luxury and indifference while others, whom we could help if we chose to, starve and go to hell... Better to be seen as fools now in the eyes of other people—including other Christians—than to be seen as fools forever in the eyes of the Audience of One, whose judgment ultimately matters…

For each of us, it’s time to commit or recommit ourselves to a life of obedient and exhilarating discipleship, with all that implies in the handling of God’s money and possessions. It’s time to turn our backs on the American dream of unlimited prosperity. It’s time to trade in our short-term material dreams for the long-term kingdom dreams of the risen Christ."

Randy Alcorn in Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2003) 419, 421. Download the book in PDF form freely here. This is the seventh of seven posts from this book at this time.

Special thanks to Courtney Markley for collaborating with me to identify key quotes from this great book. If you missed the back story on these posts, go back and read the post on 18 October 2026.

Years ago, not long before he died, I had a conversation with Chuck Colson. We were talking about the slippery slope of sin and he said something I will never forget.

He said, “Never underestimate the ability of the human person to rationalize disobedience.” On his own journey, he made many small compromises that led to big problems, and eventually prison.

Alcorn echoes this. “Our powers of rationalization are unlimited.” So, I am not surprised if some felt that our posts this week were too radical or made you feel uncomfortable.

The gospel comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. And if Courtney and I rank among the few prophetic voices in modern times, don’t ignore us.

Join us in recommitting yourself “to a life of obedient and exhilarating discipleship, with all that implies in the handling of God’s money and possessions.”

And if this week has blessed you, reply to this email and I will forward it to Courtney. I want to inspire her to persevere as a prophetic voice with me. If you want to put a face with the name, find her here.