Direction determines destination. Sounds pretty simple. In "The Principle of the Path," author and pastor Andy Stanley expounds on this idea, fully develops it, and helps us apply it to our lives and decision-making process. In ten brief but well-thought-out chapters, Stanley takes us through the motions of decision making, and helps us develop a Godly strategy that will get us where we want to go.
You can read great descriptions for this principle on other web-sites, so I'll not bother to formulate my own. Let me just say that the concept is wonderful in its simplicity, and thought-provoking in its practicality. This is the book I probably would have ignored at age 20, and (I hope) embraced at age 30. Now, at age 49 I read it with some wistful regrets. But - with many years left to live, I plan to remember The Principle of the Path in my decision-making process.
When providing examples of correct and incorrect decision-making, Stanley wisely bypasses modern media examples, and instead walks us through scenarios from Bible history. This is refreshing, and many modern pastors/teachers give examples from TV shows and secular movies in an attempt to be "relevant" and "seeker-friendly." (I recently visited a church in which the pastor showed clips from secular movies to show the congregation how they should treat each other. Needless to say, I did not return!) Stanley also spices the book with self-depreciating accounts of his youth, as well as his experiences in counseling as a pastor.
This is a book I wish I had read at 30. I'll be passing it on to my daughter, who is 23 and finishing grad school. Christian men would do well to share this book with his family, adult children, and friends.
A rare gem. Read it. Apply it. And share it.
(five stars out of five)