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I do not normally read the Literature section of the newspaper. It is not that I am uninterested in the latest best-sellers or effective book reviews. I am simply more focused on the news than I am on what I have considered filler sections of the newspaper. I always read the book reviews in professional journals like Evangelical Missions Quarterly (EMQ), but I read newspapers for news.

My flight was delayed at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. To occupy the time, I read straight through The Dallas Morning News. In Section F I found an interesting book review on “The One Minute Millionaire” by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen.

The “one minute” part of the title refers to brief tidbits that can be captured in sixty seconds and, if applied, will turn the reader into a millionaire. These co-authors are so convinced that these principles will work, they have set a goal to create a million “enlightened millionaries” within the next decade.

Interestingly, the men emphasize tithing. “We hear it all the time: ‘I can’t give when I’m barely making ends meet,’” writes Mr. Allen. “But really, it’s the other way around—you can’t afford not to give. We’ve consistently seen it, that when people who don’t have any money start tithing anyway—giving at least 10 percent of what they earn—they start doing better.

“There’s something magical and mysterious there, and we can’t explain it, but it happens. When you decide to give first, somehow or other the money stretches, the income is a little more, the expenses a little less.”

Most people try to give and save after all bills are paid. These men suggest reversing the order. Give and save first and then use what remains for living expenses.

“You pay your tithing, you put another 10 percent in savings, and you pay your taxes. Then you live on what’s left over. That’s the only properous way to live,” Mr. Hansen says. These secular authors find it “magical and mysterious.” Actually it is biblical.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:31-33).

It may not be our goal to become millionaires, but we need to make this biblical principle an integral part of our lives. Financial support for church and mission outreach is essential not only for global expansion of the gospel, but for our own well-being.

Giving is one of the greatest delights of the believer. I keep telling people, “Don’t give until it hurts. ‘God loves a cheerful giver.’ So, give until you’re happy. If you’re not happy, give a little more! Keep giving until you get happy!”

With a stagnant bear market, economic decline since 9/11, disturbing corporate corruption, and concerns over post-war Iraq, there is no better time to watch God bless than through the simple but effective principle of giving. This is no time to reduce giving to worthy mission endeavors. We can experience the magical and mysterious. We can witness God’s merciful and miraculous provision.

Ron Blue is international mobilizer for CAM International.