How to Be Rich - It's Not What You Have. It's What You Do with What You Have [Audio CD]

by Andy Stanley

“Ordene-lhes que pratiquem o bem, sejam ricos em boas obras, generosos e prontos a repartir.” — 1Timóteo 6.18 Você provavelmente não se sente rico; rico sempre é o outro e é ter mais do que você na realidade tem. Mas você pode ser rico e não se sentir assim. E esse é o problema. Andy Stanley está convencido de que muitos de nós são mais ricos do que pensam ser. Apenas não somos muito bons nisso. Uma coisa é SER rico; Andy quer nos tornar BONS em ser rico. Em Como ser rico, Andy detalha princípios claros para carregar esse fardo, certificando-se de que a riqueza será uma bênção não só para você como também para sua família e toda a comunidade durante muitas gerações ainda.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Audiobook, Money

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Andy Stanley is the senior pastor of North Point Community Church, Buckhead Church, and Browns Bridge Community Church. He also founded North Point Ministries, which is a worldwide Christian organization.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I wasn't necessarily excited about reading a book on generosity, I have to confess that this book was amazing. I am more committed than ever to becoming a generous person. Here are a few of my favorite thoughts from the book:

"We're so absorbed in the effort to get rich, we no longer recognize when we are rich"

"The richer people get, the smaller the percentage of money they give away"

"Having lots of money doesn't make you good at being rich any more than having lots of children makes you good at parenting."

"I will not trust in riches but in him who richly provides"

"Whenever we have more than we need, our natural assumption will be that it's for our own consumption."

"No matter how rich or poor you may feel, right now is the time to be generous."

"The percentage matters more than the sum."

"You miss money you misspend. You miss money you waste or poorly invest. But you never miss money given to meet a need in someone's life."

"Whenever I give God something, it's really just symbolic. The idea that we ever 'give' God anything is really just a myth."

"The best ministry we can offer on God's behalf isn't to explain our theology. It's to extend our generosity. Because that's what our Heavenly Father did for us. And that's what he's asked us to do as well."

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book about economics, and there are no tips inside on how to get rich. Instead, Andy Stanley is focused on how we modern Americans need to live once we recognize that we already are fabulously wealthy compared to the rest of the modern and historical world. Few if any would deny this if pressed, yet everybody has pretty much the same definition of what it means to be rich: about twice what one earns currently. It’s always relative. As Stanley writes, “Rich is a moving target.”

Stanley points out two major weaknesses that our money makes us susceptible to: arrogance, and to become our source of hope. To combat them, he argues for a lifestyle of generosity that is both intentional (planned) and sacrificial (more than just the extra cash left over once we’ve met our consumeristic “needs”).

“To keep from becoming arrogant…to keep your hope from migrating… and to sidestep the assumption that everything is for your consumption, you are to pursue a life of generosity. It’s not just a good thing to do. It’s not some tip for how to be a good person. It’s a preventative for the side effects of wealth.” (71)

Most of Stanley’s points are teased out of 1 Timothy 6:18, but the book is pretty light on overt theological reasoning. That’s not a criticism. There’s nothing controversial here; Stanley’s goal is to get us to recognize our incredible wealth and the dangers and opportunities that accompany it, and then to motivate us in practical ways to be generous. Ultimately, he writes, “the best ministry we can offer on God’s behalf isn’t to explain our theology. It’s to extend our generosity.” I recommend this very brief exhortation toward a generous life.

A digital copy of this book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley for purposes of review.

[Eivind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dette er ikke en bok med tips for å bli «faktisk» rik. Ikke i den forstand de fleste av oss bruker ordet, i det minste.

Stanley har ofte ett eller to gode poeng, og mye annet «fyll» for å understreke det han allerede har sagt. Denne boken følger denne oppskriften.

Hvis jeg skulle trukket frem er interessant moment fra boken, ville det vært følgende: I innledningen begynner forfatteren plutselig å beskrive anoreksi som sykdom. Han drar deretter en parallell mellom anoreksi og vårt forhold til penger. Les gjerne boken hvis du vil høre mer om den sammenligningen.

[Simon Yoong · Rating 3 out of 5]

short and simple book on a topic most people struggle with. Could have been more in-depthed, though.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny how picking up a book called "how to be rich" gets your heart racing even though its written by Andy Stanley. The word "rich" causes us to feel a certain way about ourselves and others. This book was such a good reminder that all that I "have" is God's and I just move money from one place to the next and it is and never was mine.
Being generous with my money as well as my time, my knowledge, my life.

[Caitlyn]

No matter how rich or poor you might feel, right now is the time to be generous. What will my giving strategy be?

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Be Rich by Andy Stanley is not your “get-rich” book. That was the impression I had when I first saw the book, and was not keen on it. But it is not what I thought it was. A closer look reveals that the author has made a paradigm shift in his definition of “rich” which really initiated me into the book. And it was that particular reason why I asked for an advance review copy.

Instead of offering tips on how to get rich, the author appeals to the heart of the reader to live a lifestyle that is consistent with the teachings of the Bible, and also following the examples of the early Christians. Christians are to be generous with what we have, and strive to be a blessing to others by our “planned” and “sacrificial” giving.

Andy Stanley has pointed out that the book is the result of a series of sermons preached to members of the congregation he is leading. The message is relevant and timely.

[Marty Hu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book outlines the important distinction of having money and managing your money. The author digs into the psychological factors surrounding our addiction to money and how we are predisposed to always want more of it, regardless of how much we had. One memorable takeaway I got from the book is that if you went and profiled people across various economic levels, the consensus on how much money someone had to have to be considered "rich" was roughly 3x as much as that economic level currently had. Pretty unbelievable.

What I thought the author did really well was to highlight the fact that we are already very wealthy. After listening through this book, I honestly cannot make an argument that I am not very wealthy. Would challenge you to do the same after giving the first several chapters an open minded read.

[Melissa Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I'm reading by Andy Stanley. He presents some material that I've heard already, but they way he presents it, and the new material he shares, makes for an enjoyable reading experience. We are rich. I am rich. Don't believe me? Read this book! I need to choose to make better decisions about what I do with the money God has given me, and one of the things that the "true rich" do is give - in the same way that Jesus gave to us.

[Emil Bredahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing title and an interesting subject to write about. His points are solid and practical and he touches on a subject that many will not discuss openly.
I like Andy Stanley books because they are straight to the point and he shares many stories from his own life.
Contentment is the key word that I took away from reading this book

I can highly recommend this book as it is short and easy to read
Enjoy

[Ray Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Book About How to Be Rich

I've read many, many books about how to be rich. Without a doubt, I can say this is the best of all of them. It's a short read, but I guarantee you will be richer before you even finish it, and you will also be better at BEING rich!

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started the year wanting to read more on how to be a better giver. This was an easy read and had solid advice on how to become a more generous.

[Paul Ragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Christian view on how to handle money, i.e. be generous.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book of 2019, and it was pretty interesting. It's not an financial guide in the strict sense but rather a psychological and Christian approach to being generous.

*** minor spoiler ahead***

I picked up this book because I was attending one of his churches when he was preaching on this topic. The sermon was great (you can find it on Youtube), but this book goes into much greater detail of generosity. It tells of how we're already rich by the world's standards and how being generous not only helps those in need, but also helped (and continues to help) the Christian religion to thrive. In the early centuries of Christianity, Pagans and Jews weren't generous. It was a "only give so you could get something in return" type system. The early Christians were different in that they gave without any precieved notion of receiving anything in return. It was a completely new and (to the non-Christians) awesome concept that led many people to convert. On that same historical note, he even surprised this little Catholic girl.

The author went on to tell the story of Saint Pachomis. He was a pagan that was imprisoned by the Roman army and left to starve. Christians began bringing him and his fellow inmates food in the middle of the night so that they wouldn't starve. After he got out of prison, he thanked them and was led to not only convert to Catholic Christianity but also help bring others to the religion as well. Honestly, I've never heard of Saint Pachomis before and I was pleasantly surprised to hear the story of a Catholic saint in a nondenominational Christian book.

As for tithing (donating part of your income to God and the church), he doesn't say that we must give 10% but rather that we should feel compelled to help others out in whichever ways that we can. I really liked that.

Overall, it was a very interesting, in depth look into wealth and generosity.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This material is based on one of Stanley's sermon series, and in his book of the same name he teaches Christians what their obligations are when it comes to finances. He sets the stage by explaining that even though there are people richer than you, you are still rich. The Bible lays out some principles for people that are rich, specifically with a call to do good deeds with your wealth.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 English Standard Version (ESV)

18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

There is a ton of good content in here, some things that you have heard before, and some things that may be new to you. I would highly recommend this book.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle bait-and-switch for first-worlders of faith.

The data shows that people with more resources are actually LESS generous than their poorer counterparts. This is a problem for those sincerely committed to following that Jesus fella. Stanley's short, sweet guide to being more generous is a nickel-and-dime version of a longer church study program, and thus its applications are a bit limited. It's a little too fluffy to merit shelf space in anything other than church library collection, but that doesn't make it a bad book. In fact, Stanley's use of kind, rather than shaming, rhetoric to show people just how rich they already are, and how to spread it around, will most likely be a good tool for pastors looking to poke their flock a bit. Three cheers for catching more flies with honey; recommended, but optional.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s face it, most of us already are rich compared to the standards of the world and generations before us.

This book isn’t about how to get rich, it’s about how to be rich; what do we do with the money we have in order to be the kind of rich people that make a difference in the world through their generosity, and to learn to truth Him who richly provides over earthly riches.

Great, short book! Highly recommended.

[Laura Beasley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. I felt that all he said could have been written in one chapter. I had a hard time with his saying repeatedly we are rich. To say we are blessed would have been so much better. Felt like this was a way to guilt people to make a larger pledge. Focus on money mostly and giving can be so many ways not just monetary.

[Justin Arnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read and a well-written book.

Andy Stanley’s writing style is very casual and carries a conversational tone. The presentation of the main points is very simple and easy to understand. The points are very important for everyone, not just Christians, to know and/or remember. Highly recommend.

[Kay Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I will not trust in riches, but in Him who richly supplies.”

“What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

“Contentment is more valuable than the things you acquired because of your discontentment.” 🎤⬇️

“Isn’t it weird? You miss money you misspend. But you never miss money given to meet a need in someone’s life.”

[Linda Wolery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book about becoming rich but rather how to use our resources to be generous and thoughtfully share ourselves. As Americans most of us are rich by world standards but how are we helping others not only with our money but also with our efforts. It’s a grounding and thoughtful provoking quick read.

[Ewerton Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the read of this book I learned how to be good in be rich... and it’s not about money. It’s about to give you own to others (your money, your time, your expertise, your knowledge, your life).
Sensational!

[Outfox998 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on how Christians should approach financial discipleship and financial responsibility. The author, Andy Stanley, is down to earth and practical in all aspects and his book is made more readable by his humor. I can't recommend this highly enough!

[Riley Von Behren · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this book during a men's group series and it is generally correct and applies biblical lessons to generosity and how to help people. I thought a lot of the real world anecdotes were weak and misleading. Lots of bad use of statistics.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are reading this you are rich. Top 4% in the world. The realization that the money you have is not yours, it is gods will lead you down a more fulfilling life because he can take it back at any time.

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected this book to be but it left me feeling cold. I agree with its main point ‘be generous as God has been to you’ but it’s just not especially outstanding.

I love Andy Stanley’s writing usually but this wasn’t earth-shattering.

[Caitlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of the points are okay but the author has a tendency to take statistics out of context. Most households don’t have one breadwinner working one job for 5 days a week for the whole household.

Invest in retirement and know how to be generous.

[Rita Colvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part was good and helped give the reader what the human perspective of being rich is versus the true meaning of being rich. I lost interest in the middle of the book. I have enjoyed reading many books by Andy Stanley and will look for more...

[Thomas Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its not about money! Great book to refocus your mind on the gifts you have and how to apply them to future success.

[Travis Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple introduction o money management from the lens of gospel stewardship. Helpful for Monica and me as we first discovered marital finance discussions.