The Principle of the Path
I get free books from Thomas Nelson publishing as part of their blogger program. One of the books that I picked up was one that I had been anticipating for quite some time. With all the graduations this year, sending off our graduated seniors yesterday, and also saying some good-byes, I thought I would recommend this book.
“Direction—not intention—determines our destination.” Andy Stanley’s newest book, The Principle of the Path, outlines the principle that where you want to be in life is not a matter of your wishes, desires, and hopes, but the steps, the choices, and the decisions you make along the way. There are ten chapters, but eight of them speak to the principle, which Stanley explains is nothing new—rather, the nature of principles is that they are always discovered in the course of life, pre-determined by God who created all things.
The premise of the book sounds like something you already know—your future is determined by the choices you make. But how many people end up in a place or a situation where they look back and wonder, “How in the world did I end up like this?” It’s not only situational, but when it comes to people’s ambitions and dreams, the question of “How I am going to get to where I want to be?” is particularly needed.
Andy Stanley always has a way of spinning the truth, revealing principles in a new, fresh light that begs your attention. I sat down one afternoon and couldn’t put it down—not because it was particularly fascinating, but because the application of the principle is greatly needed. It is something that is so simple, yet so overlooked, that the mention and explanation of it is enjoyable. The writing style is quite conversational, which helps move the book along quickly without getting bored, and anecdotes throughout constantly provide a source of reference in which the reader can quickly identify with the author. It’s one of those books that you’ll want to pass on to a friend, and for that friend to pass on. Always clear, always concise, always with a few surprises, I am always so thankful for Andy Stanley and his ministry and wisdom!
For the seniors that have graduated, maybe this is a little late for you to read. But as you look to college, I hope that you would not only heed the wisdom of this book, but search out for yourselves in Scripture the truths that this book has collected from God's Word. For the rest of the youth, which just sent me off this past Sunday, thank you for the wonderful gifts, the memories--and though I will be just a stone's throw away, I pray that you too would begin (if you haven't done so already) to submit your life's direction to that of God and His principles.
