Three Sticks — Personal Development for Christians

Last Sunday, I visited Andy Stanley’s church, Northpoint Community Church, and learned about the path principle. According to Andy, the path principle states that direction determines destination. Like, most principles this seem obvious until we begin to apply it to our own lives and then it seems more complicated. For example, it’s common sense for us to see that if you live in Georgia and take 85 North you will not get to Florida. However, it’s much harder to see that the job you’ve accepted that takes you away from your family will not lead to a healthy, family centered life.

Andy stressed the importance of moving along the proper path in reaching your desired destination. He claims that taking each step, consistently over time will lead you to your proper destination. Obviously, God plays a role in that, but he stressed that intention and prayer alone are not enough to make up for your failing to walk the proper path. In his view, the value of persistence is critical to your future success.

Although he didn’t specifically call it out, Andy implied that he wanted people to realize that the law of attraction and intention is not enough to make your life the one that you want. You must walk the correct path to achieve your desired destination. This is consistent with some of the proponents of the Secret that argue that action is a important as intention.

This will be an ongoing series that will be available online at northpoint.org.

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