Have you ever wondered how you ended up here? Is your reality a far cry from your dreams? Are you a young adult in the midst of life’s important questions about marriage, career and fulfillment? Andy Stanley offers a refreshing look at ancient wisdom about our chosen roads in “The Principle of the Path”. Using an incredibly powerful analogy – modern-day driving – this little gem reminds its readers over and over that “what captures our attention influences our direction. Attention, direction, destination…and as your attention goes, so goes your life.”

Stanley begins his study with an explanation of a principle, which is much different that a law or a rule one follows. Principles operate in the background of our lives, whether we are aware of them or not. They remain true, even if we dispute their existence. And the Principle of the Path impacts our destinations, even if we don’t know about it or choose to leverage it in our lives. “Just as there are physical paths that lead to predictable physical locations, there are other kinds of paths that are equally predictable.”

Through careful scrutiny of the lives of Kings Saul, David, Solomon and Reheboam in the Old Testament the author demonstrates this principle in action. He first asks us to examine our own hearts, where “the problem stems from the fact that we are not on a truth quest”. Indeed, he convincingly argues, most of us are on a “happiness quest”, which more often than not ultimately leads us to unhappiness.

Throughout this book, Stanley asks tough questions that forced me to “pull over” and search my heart’s true desires and God’s call for my life. “Why do I hesitate to give God full access to every part of my life? How does God describe the human heart? How does this truth complicate things for [me]?” Stanley points us to God’s Truth by way of Israel’s great kings: David obediently following God’s path instead of conventional wisdom when he had the opportunity to kill King Saul in a cave; King Solomon’s happiness quest in accumulating seven hundred wives - many of whom worshiped foreign gods; and Rehoboam’s foolish choice to follow his peers’ direction over that of his father’s advisors.

Initially, “The Principle of the Path” seemed to smack of “prosperity gospel”, a step-by-step guide to “attain the life and lifestyle [you] have always dreamed of.” I felt oddly uncomfortable as I read the first few chapters in which the author encourages his readers with the promise that the Principle of the Path’s power is available to anyone who is willing to leverage it.” By the end of the third chapter, I found myself caught myself being overly critical of Stanley’s message about our “destinations”. After all, Jesus calls us to much more than power and success in life.

I am glad, however, that I kept reading. By the fourth chapter, “The Heart of the Matter” Mr. Stanley takes us through an in-depth look at wisdom, truth, integrity and common sense. The reminders from the Bible to take refuge from danger, to seek out advice from those older and wiser, and to pay attention to things that matter were quite practically helpful. Nonetheless, this author still seemed to miss God’s ultimate desire for each of us – to embody and personify His Love as we journey through life.

After an incredibly difficult year for me personally, this book’s true redemption was Mr. Stanley’s compassion for those inevitable times when all of us receive “information that serves as a stake through the heart of our dreams” – lost chances, a loved one’s death, a friend’s betrayal, and the point in time when we realize “that dream isn’t coming true.” This author doesn’t simply offer a clear and biblical road map for leaning on God to get us where we want to go. In his chapter “Road Closed” he also offers God’s healing balm of love and mercy for those of us faced with a destination not of our own choosing as we continue to trust the One who has led us here.

With a wonderfully probing study guide and relevant stories, Stanley’s work would make a great ten-week Bible study for any individual or small group that wants to understand the discrepancy between our hearts and our choices. Stanley captures the importance of living now – with an eye on the future – while offering hope for a change in direction when we find ourselves drifting from God’s clear guidance. Andy Stanley’s ability to show us God’s wisdom in such practical ways makes this book a must-read for Christians at any point on the “road of life”, whether you are a high school senior just pulling onto life’s entrance ramp or a grandparent whose own destination may be clearly in sight. ( )

It really seems like a no-brainer: if you don't like where you're headed, get off that path. If you stick to a path, you'll end up where it leads. And in the physical world, it is a no-brainer.

But spiritually, financially, and many other ways, people ignore this simple premise. They continue to do the same things, thinking that it will give them different results, and then wonder why things turned out the way that they did. Andy Stanley's book really does tell you "how to get from where you are to where you want to be."

The most important lesson in this book, I think, is that intention doesn't matter. Sincerity doesn't matter. Direction matters. You can be sincere, but if you're sincerely wrong, you will fail. This is true in business, in our interpersonal relations, and in our spiritual lives as well.

The book is an easy read, and serves as an outstanding starting point for a lot of different discussions. It would make for a great book club book; in fact, there is a 20 page study guide at the end of the book that facilitates book club discussion rather well. ( )

One of the best books I have read in a long time. It is simple without being simplistic and easy to read while challenging your heart and mind.

The basic principle is that attention determines direction and direction determines destination. So we need to know where we want to go and make sure our choices are setting us in a direction that leads to the destination we desire.

While this is a great book for everyone to read I highly recommend it to older teenagers and those in the early 20's as many of the direction decisions you are making now will have a profound effect on the destination of your life. ( )

"Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7)

These are not new words, not to many Christians and not to Andy Stanley, Pastor of North Point Church in Alpharetta, GA.

In his book, 'The Principle of the Path: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be', these words are expounded in an authentic, genuine, conversational style prompting the reader to consider many of the choices made in their lives in light of an unyielding principle.

So simple and still so profound is the key message "Direction - not intention - determines your destination." With engaging and often comical recollections of his sometimes 'unwise' decisions, Pastor Stanley addresses many of the causes and effects of the decisions we make.

I particularly enjoyed the reference to Shanti Feldman's book, 'For Parents Only' and the study claiming that the frontal lobe of the human brain does not fully develop until the mid twenties offering a physical cause for the 'mistakes of youth'.

Bible study students will identify with the many references to Proverbs and the examination of two great Old Testament men, King David and his son Solomon.

Perhaps the most resilient herald in the book is the statement that the Principle is unyielding, unforgiving, and not prejudicial. You will reach the destination of the path you are on. It is in your best interest to acknowledge and examine your what direction you are headed.

Small Group Leaders
As an additional bonus, a 10 Lesson Study Guide is included in the back of the book providing those interested in delving deeper and applying the ideas presented . A great resource and compliment to the book. ( )