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shiny gods: finding freedom from things that distract us
What happens when we truly put God first in all aspects of our lives? In a culture guided chiefly by shiny, life-promising distractions, “enough” seems elusive and keeps us indebted to that next source of satisfaction. What if the Giver of Life offered freedom from this downward spiral—would you take it? In shiny gods, pastor and author Mike Slaughter, lead
pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church and popular author of Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, helps readers reassess priorities and create a culture and a lifestyle of giving with a special emphasis on missions.
pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church and popular author of Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, helps readers reassess priorities and create a culture and a lifestyle of giving with a special emphasis on missions.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2013
About the author
Mike Slaughter
78 books19 followersMike Slaughter is the lead pastor at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Under his leadership, Ginghamsburg became known as an early innovator of small group ministry and a leader in global mission efforts. A frequently sought-after speaker, he is the author of many books, including Dare to Dream, Hijacked, Change the World, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, and Upside Living in a Downside Economy.
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March 25, 2026
shiny gods: finding freedom from things that distract us by Mike Slaughter (2013) 244 pages.
UPDATE: 3/26/2026 - It has been brought to my attention by GR friend, John Jenkins, that an unfortunate error was written in this book. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, it is Elisha and not Elijah who instructs the woman to fill her vessels with oil and to sell them. This error will have to bump down my rating just one star. That’s why it’s important to slow down and read the verses referenced straight from the Bible, which I didn’t. I still absolutely loved this little book. It let me know I need to have more faith in God and learn to put Him first.
——————————
I found this little jewel at our local library book sale for $.25 just last week. I’m the type of person who holds onto my money tightly. I live like I’m living in scarcity, not abundance. I have plenty of money. So the title, “shiny gods” lured me in.
This book is so well written and has so many great points that I could not say it any better. Young Christians should start off their lives first by reading and implementing these financial principles outlined. Below are comments and quotes from the book, and the Bible, that I’d like to remember.
“ …an idol is anything, or anyone, that receives the primary focus of my energy or resources, which should first belong to God. The Bible calls this having a divided heart.” (p. 17) Exactly how I feel. I have a divided heart.
I have to honestly ask myself: What are my passions? How do I spend my time? What do I spend my money on? Unfortunately, It’s never in the Word.
God’s not asking us to spend all our time or money on church activities, but He wants us to love Him like our first love…always on our mind and in our hearts. That may include helping others out in certain ways that God will put on our heart. Stay close to him by praying AND reading the Bible. He will open doors and show where we are needed, not only for our purpose, but for the purpose of others and all for the greater good.
Doing things you love are fine as long as you don’t do them in neglect of God first, and as long as it isn’t injurious to your life. For example, what you love to do you really can’t afford to do; therefore, putting yourself in debt, which brings about hard times, causing a down spiraling of life. God would never condone this. It’s not in line with what God wants for you. This would be an example of following some other “god”…materialism. You want what you want.
WORK is a gift. We were not designed to avoid work. Humans were placed in the garden of Eden to farm it and take care of it. Our work is not primarily for the income (although we feel like it is); we work for the outcome. We should work to find significance through serving God’s creation. (p. 48)
Church’s shouldn’t create enabling ministries with handouts. It’s impressive that Ginghamburg Church in Ohio created a jobs program, helping people to find jobs and breaking the cycle of poverty, getting off the government dole and taking responsibility instead of showing “entitlement”.
2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If anyone doesn’t want to work, they shouldn’t eat.”
Of course, there will always be those we should be taking care of because they are truly unable to work. And then there’s situational poverty, when a large company may shut down, laying off hundreds or thousands of people, and many may not be able to find jobs. In this case, they are willing to work but may need temporary help until they can get back on their feet.
Socialism doesn’t work because God said it doesn’t.
Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
and
Proverbs 22:11: “ Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense [paid rioters come to mind].”
If you have a good job, any job that is righteous work (garbage collector, picking vegetables, housecleaner, cashier, etc…), any job that is helpful to people, stay there and work, improving and realize it is truly a gift from God. Stop jumping job to job every-time you get disgruntled. You may be missing out on God’s blessing, which he promises to send at just the right time. God blesses the works of your hands, but never compromise your integrity. A good reputation is better than wealth. (Proverbs 22:1)
“Righteous work will always honor God. It will always serve people. If we get up every day to honor God and to serve people through our work, then the day will bring us joy.” (p. 59)
Work is God’s means of providing for you. When you borrow money on credit cards, you are acting outside God’s means of provision. This is materialism…or…shiny gods.
Investment mortgages are mostly necessary, but focus to get it paid off as soon as possible because “…a borrower is a slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
If you feel it absolutely necessary to go in debt, try to have a plan to pay it off within 7 years. Deuteronomy 15:1: “Every seventh year you must cancel all debts.” It’s a good principle to live by.
God does not condone filing for bankruptcy. Psalm 37:21: “The wicked borrow, and don’t pay it back, but the righteous are generous and giving.” Even if you have filed for bankruptcy in the past and want to make it right, you can still pay back your debts. Godly people are people who keep promises.
It’s not advisable to co-sign a loan for anyone…not even your children. Proverbs 22:26-27: “Don’t shake hands to guarantee a loan. If you can’t repay, why should they be able to take your bed from you?”
If you have the money to help your kids, and it’s put on your heart, then help them without expecting anything back in return.
God doesn’t print money. God provides seeds. What are your talents, gifts or resources? You are to do the ground work.
“Our contribution in life is the payback for the life God has given us.” ( p. 79)
“Generosity is evidence of the Spirit’s work in a person‘s life.” (p. 87)
2 Corinthians 9:12: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces Thanksgiving to God through us.”
“As long as I am holding something tightly in my hand, it is not blessed. It is only by faith, when I release it into Jesus’s hand, that it is blessed and multiplied.” (p. 92)
Our giving, as an active worship, should never be sporadic or unprepared. Don’t just toss your leftovers into God‘s offering plate. Plan, giving ahead of time, and make it a priority in your life.” (p. 93)
>10-10-80 (p. 95-96)
10% - the first 10% of everything that comes into your hand, you give to God as an expression of faith and gratitude. Maybe find a church that doesn’t spend most of its tithe money towards its own facilities and programs. Churches are meant to be a base that goes out to help and change the world.
10% - the second 10% you pay to yourself, in the form of saving for the future.
80% - the remaining 80% is what you live on. If you want to prepare for emergencies, you might actually want to live below the 80%.
Wealth is not just about the abundance of money. It’s our talents, gifts and resources. We are each accountable to God for using the resources He has placed in our hands.
UPDATE: 3/26/2026 - It has been brought to my attention by GR friend, John Jenkins, that an unfortunate error was written in this book. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, it is Elisha and not Elijah who instructs the woman to fill her vessels with oil and to sell them. This error will have to bump down my rating just one star. That’s why it’s important to slow down and read the verses referenced straight from the Bible, which I didn’t. I still absolutely loved this little book. It let me know I need to have more faith in God and learn to put Him first.
——————————
I found this little jewel at our local library book sale for $.25 just last week. I’m the type of person who holds onto my money tightly. I live like I’m living in scarcity, not abundance. I have plenty of money. So the title, “shiny gods” lured me in.
This book is so well written and has so many great points that I could not say it any better. Young Christians should start off their lives first by reading and implementing these financial principles outlined. Below are comments and quotes from the book, and the Bible, that I’d like to remember.
“ …an idol is anything, or anyone, that receives the primary focus of my energy or resources, which should first belong to God. The Bible calls this having a divided heart.” (p. 17) Exactly how I feel. I have a divided heart.
I have to honestly ask myself: What are my passions? How do I spend my time? What do I spend my money on? Unfortunately, It’s never in the Word.
God’s not asking us to spend all our time or money on church activities, but He wants us to love Him like our first love…always on our mind and in our hearts. That may include helping others out in certain ways that God will put on our heart. Stay close to him by praying AND reading the Bible. He will open doors and show where we are needed, not only for our purpose, but for the purpose of others and all for the greater good.
Doing things you love are fine as long as you don’t do them in neglect of God first, and as long as it isn’t injurious to your life. For example, what you love to do you really can’t afford to do; therefore, putting yourself in debt, which brings about hard times, causing a down spiraling of life. God would never condone this. It’s not in line with what God wants for you. This would be an example of following some other “god”…materialism. You want what you want.
WORK is a gift. We were not designed to avoid work. Humans were placed in the garden of Eden to farm it and take care of it. Our work is not primarily for the income (although we feel like it is); we work for the outcome. We should work to find significance through serving God’s creation. (p. 48)
Church’s shouldn’t create enabling ministries with handouts. It’s impressive that Ginghamburg Church in Ohio created a jobs program, helping people to find jobs and breaking the cycle of poverty, getting off the government dole and taking responsibility instead of showing “entitlement”.
2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If anyone doesn’t want to work, they shouldn’t eat.”
Of course, there will always be those we should be taking care of because they are truly unable to work. And then there’s situational poverty, when a large company may shut down, laying off hundreds or thousands of people, and many may not be able to find jobs. In this case, they are willing to work but may need temporary help until they can get back on their feet.
Socialism doesn’t work because God said it doesn’t.
Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
and
Proverbs 22:11: “ Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense [paid rioters come to mind].”
If you have a good job, any job that is righteous work (garbage collector, picking vegetables, housecleaner, cashier, etc…), any job that is helpful to people, stay there and work, improving and realize it is truly a gift from God. Stop jumping job to job every-time you get disgruntled. You may be missing out on God’s blessing, which he promises to send at just the right time. God blesses the works of your hands, but never compromise your integrity. A good reputation is better than wealth. (Proverbs 22:1)
“Righteous work will always honor God. It will always serve people. If we get up every day to honor God and to serve people through our work, then the day will bring us joy.” (p. 59)
Work is God’s means of providing for you. When you borrow money on credit cards, you are acting outside God’s means of provision. This is materialism…or…shiny gods.
Investment mortgages are mostly necessary, but focus to get it paid off as soon as possible because “…a borrower is a slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
If you feel it absolutely necessary to go in debt, try to have a plan to pay it off within 7 years. Deuteronomy 15:1: “Every seventh year you must cancel all debts.” It’s a good principle to live by.
God does not condone filing for bankruptcy. Psalm 37:21: “The wicked borrow, and don’t pay it back, but the righteous are generous and giving.” Even if you have filed for bankruptcy in the past and want to make it right, you can still pay back your debts. Godly people are people who keep promises.
It’s not advisable to co-sign a loan for anyone…not even your children. Proverbs 22:26-27: “Don’t shake hands to guarantee a loan. If you can’t repay, why should they be able to take your bed from you?”
If you have the money to help your kids, and it’s put on your heart, then help them without expecting anything back in return.
God doesn’t print money. God provides seeds. What are your talents, gifts or resources? You are to do the ground work.
“Our contribution in life is the payback for the life God has given us.” ( p. 79)
“Generosity is evidence of the Spirit’s work in a person‘s life.” (p. 87)
2 Corinthians 9:12: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces Thanksgiving to God through us.”
“As long as I am holding something tightly in my hand, it is not blessed. It is only by faith, when I release it into Jesus’s hand, that it is blessed and multiplied.” (p. 92)
Our giving, as an active worship, should never be sporadic or unprepared. Don’t just toss your leftovers into God‘s offering plate. Plan, giving ahead of time, and make it a priority in your life.” (p. 93)
>10-10-80 (p. 95-96)
10% - the first 10% of everything that comes into your hand, you give to God as an expression of faith and gratitude. Maybe find a church that doesn’t spend most of its tithe money towards its own facilities and programs. Churches are meant to be a base that goes out to help and change the world.
10% - the second 10% you pay to yourself, in the form of saving for the future.
80% - the remaining 80% is what you live on. If you want to prepare for emergencies, you might actually want to live below the 80%.
Wealth is not just about the abundance of money. It’s our talents, gifts and resources. We are each accountable to God for using the resources He has placed in our hands.
November 12, 2018
In “Shiny Gods,” Dr. Mike Slaughter makes a strong case that we should avoid things that distract our time and resources from what is important. He effectively uses the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to show that what is important is using the ways that God blesses us to bless others. “God supplies seed; God doesn’t print money.” This sentence appears six times in the book to emphasize that each one of us has “a unique set of qualities that need to be treated like a seed” and the more we sow, the more we will harvest.
The book contains a persuasive argument with examples from Dr. Slaughter’s Church and from the Bible for adopting a 10-10-80 financial plan. The first 10% of “everything that comes into your hand” should go to God, the second 10% should go to the future (Dr. Slaughter dislikes the concept of retirement, particularly a retirement focused on golf - which might be my "shiny god"), and the remaining 80% should take care of expenses and avoidance of debt.
Dr. Slaughter keeps his message intentionally simple in this short book, but perhaps he oversimplifies and perhaps the book was not edited as diligently as it should have been. One example of both oversimplifying (or distorting) the Biblical message and imperfect editing occurs in his explanation of the story of the Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). Dr. Slaughter uses this story as an example that humanity’s ability to work is God’s means of providing for us, and this conclusion is valid. But he says that the widow’s problem of paying her debts was solved after Elijah told her to get a job, and there are two issues with this explanation. First, this story seems to be more about the widow’s faith - which was rewarded by God miraculously making her quantity of oil multiply – than about her going to work. Secondly, the prophet who instructed the widow was Elisha, not Elijah.
The book contains a persuasive argument with examples from Dr. Slaughter’s Church and from the Bible for adopting a 10-10-80 financial plan. The first 10% of “everything that comes into your hand” should go to God, the second 10% should go to the future (Dr. Slaughter dislikes the concept of retirement, particularly a retirement focused on golf - which might be my "shiny god"), and the remaining 80% should take care of expenses and avoidance of debt.
Dr. Slaughter keeps his message intentionally simple in this short book, but perhaps he oversimplifies and perhaps the book was not edited as diligently as it should have been. One example of both oversimplifying (or distorting) the Biblical message and imperfect editing occurs in his explanation of the story of the Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). Dr. Slaughter uses this story as an example that humanity’s ability to work is God’s means of providing for us, and this conclusion is valid. But he says that the widow’s problem of paying her debts was solved after Elijah told her to get a job, and there are two issues with this explanation. First, this story seems to be more about the widow’s faith - which was rewarded by God miraculously making her quantity of oil multiply – than about her going to work. Secondly, the prophet who instructed the widow was Elisha, not Elijah.
February 28, 2014
This book is actually about stewardship (i.e. tithing), not just about being freed from commercialism and distractions so that we can focus on God. With that lens, it's pretty good, totally manageable as a 4 week study.
September 17, 2014
Enlightening and liberating
Thanks to Pastor Mike for sharing his hopeful, faith-filled perspective on prosperity and the gifts God has given us. I love his expression, "God doesn't print money, he provides seeds to plant." I'm thinking much differently today about my finances and my faith.
Thanks to Pastor Mike for sharing his hopeful, faith-filled perspective on prosperity and the gifts God has given us. I love his expression, "God doesn't print money, he provides seeds to plant." I'm thinking much differently today about my finances and my faith.
October 25, 2013
"I want to know that I left it all on the field, sowed all that I was given, and reaped a harvest that will continue to have an impact on lives for the Kingdom long after I have physically left this place."
June 21, 2013
An easy afternoon read reminding us what is truly important in life.
October 24, 2013
Helpful book in crafting a church financial/stewardship campaign around focusing on what matters.
July 20, 2015
Provocative.
April 21, 2014
A good reminder that all we have is God's and we are simply called to manage it well
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews