I just finished reading Thomas Anderson’s “Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way”. I don’t actually remember how or where I heard about it, but somehow it found it’s way into my hands. Anyway, if you have been around ChristianPF much you know that I don’t subscribe to the theory that poor Christian’s are holier than wealthy ones. On the other hand, I also don’t believe that we should be stockpiling wealth on earth, but should rather be using it to advance God’s Kingdom and His purposes. Which in turn would equate to storing up treasures in Heaven. (Matt 6:20)
One of the first things I noticed was that Anderson was a student of Robert Kiyosaki. In fact Robert actually wrote the foreword for the book. While I don’t love everything that Kiyosaki preaches, I will say that Rich Dad, Poor Dad was one of the most influential books I have ever read. Partly because it was the first book I ever picked up that had anything to do with finances and secondly because he introduced a way of thinking about money and wealth that was completely foreign to me.
From Anderson’s writings it was pretty apparent that Kiyosaki may have had a similar effect on him. Anderson then takes some of Kyosaki’s thoughts and ideas and adds some additional value to them by proving them out with scripture.
(Interjection – I just decided that I want to bullet point the rest of this review – I think it will help me explain the book better and help you get more concise information!)
Thoughts about Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way
- Anderson uses a lot of scripture to disprove the theories that it is more righteous for Christians to be poor and even has some interesting insight that suggests that Jesus was quite well off Himself.
- I particularly liked how Anderson tied our faith that God is our supplier to action. I have seen a lot of people committed to Faith that God will supply their needs, but not to action. Anderson gracefully points out that while God could drop a million dollars from the sky, He is much more likely to provide for us by blessing the work of our hands. I don’t think I have read anything that brought balance to faith vs. action as well as chapter 12.
- At the end of the book Anderson explains from the Parable of the Talents that, “the only time Jesus calls us a good and faithful servant is when we are in the multiplying stage for the sake of the Kingdom…” He goes on to say that, “when we see these matters in the right perspective, we begin to work for the Kingdom without concern for money.” I was glad to see this. I personally believe that the key isn’t to become a millionaire just to be a millionaire, but because having a million dollars means that you can give a lot more into God’s Kingdom.
What the book is not
It is not a step-by-step guide to create wealth. It is more of a book to liberate people from poverty mentalities. He touches on practical elements a bit, but all in all this is not written to be a practical guide. Personally, I love practical guides, but books like this are necessary for most people before they are ready for a practical, step-by-step guide.
I would recommend it for…
- Those who want to get a better understanding of what the Bible says about our financial well-being.
- Those with a poor or middle-class mindset. The book helps you begin to think about money like the wealthy.
- Those who need a little kick in the pants to think beyond what they are doing right now.
Have you read “Becoming a Millionaire God’s way”? If so, please share your thoughts!
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve been looking for another book to read and I will definitely have to pick this one up.
Are you doing a giveaway? I would love to read this book as I expand my reading of personal finance books. I just finished reading 101 Ways to Magnetize Money (which I gave away on my blog, after receiving it from someone else) and it was a real eye opener.
Hey Bob,
Great post. That phrase of not taking action to be so true. I also believe we reap what we sow, and if we want the most out of our profession, we need to learn and be the best we can and then trust God with the results.
I know many Christians will have the belief and the “faith” that God will supply but they also forget we reap what we sow..so if they are bad workers, they will reap for their efforts.
Friend of mine told me he hired a Christian contractor to do dry wall and when he asked him his training, he said…”oh, I left my job b/c God called me into this field and the Holy Spirit just teaches me everything I need to know”…
Friend said it was the worse dry wall he’s seen and could have done better himself.
Chris
Christian Bookstore
I actually have this book at home, but have not had the chance to read it. Thank you for your review and for motivating me to read it.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena
http://www.smallbusinessavenues.com
Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely check this book out very soon!
Exactly how do wealthy people think about money?
How is thinking about money this way helpful when you lack money?
Bob,
Thanks for the review! I didn’t even hear about the book. It sounds interesting, though, because many people have this false notion that a Christian should be poor. It actually should be the opposite so that we can be a witness and expand the kingdom of God!
@poor boomer
How do wealthy people think about money? That’s one of the big questions answered in the Robert Kiyosaki book. He writes about how rich people think about buying assets instead of liability, and how rich people get their money to work for them instead of working for their money.
Does it not say in the bible, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” So why would I take advice from a christian on becoming a millionaire, as I do consider a millionaire to be, “rich”.
Read what you wrote. You said it is impossible for a rich man to forget his wealth and trust in God. You did not say that a poor man that trusts in God can’t become wealthy. For God also said it is I that gives you the ability to gain wealth.
@Tony I don’t think being rich or being poor is what matters to God. I believe he’s looking for righteous people. The issue Jesus had with the rich young ruler is that he trusted in his riches. A poor person can have the same attitude towards money and Jesus would be displeased with that too.
Jesus wants us to live rightly before him regardless of our financial situation. When we do this, He promises that our Father will meet all our needs as we seek his Kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
Going back to your question, I would say take the advice if you intend on becoming a righteous millionaire i.e. one who would give it all up if Jesus asked that of you.
You’re missing the point. Jesus fulfills the covenant, the covenant is God’s promises to bless(ie make wealthy, healthy, wise) those that diligently seek him. So if you are truly seeking and living for God, why would you not be very wealthy. God is not a liar. For he said the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous.
Great review, Bob. You mentioned this book isn’t a ‘how-to’ guide to creating wealth– which is important for most believers who don’t have a business background. It’s nice to have a book like this one, but it’s extremely helpful to get step-by-step instruction on building wealth. Even better is to learn from people who’ve done it. There’s a program called ‘Naive Christians Don’t Get Rich,’ which includes a book and audio interviews with Christian six-figure and millionaire entrepreneurs that’s pretty dynamic.
(http://naivechristiansdontgetrich.com)
I have waited for two years to get my hands on this book (very possible in my part of the world) and I have just done the first chapter. Thanks for such a great review.
I love the book so much that I quote from it and I am still reading it even though I have read it before and everything you have about it and recommendation you have given are extremely correct.
And @ Tony…of course …“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” and that is what Becoming a Millionaire God’s Way is trying to break down by targeting people like you with less understanding.
He said it’be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God because it is true alot of them who are rich have there minds on the money than on building the world. While as the poor are submitted to anything hence easier.
@Tony After three years of not finding a job and struggling to make our business profitable while raising three children, poor is not something desire. In fact, from what I have read in this book and others, it seems that the Lord has got very strict instructions for those who are rich for the reason that riches are a distraction. But when you have your priorities right (Matthew 6:33), I don’t see why not.
It is my belief that I more of a blessing if I am wealthy….
I love it. It’s God money not ours. I love that post. Becoming a millionaire God’s way. keep it up. God loves you.
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