Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Just Read Something

Thankfully, in light of my poor reading year in '09, I was able to squeeze in one more book before the end of the year. I read Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will, by Kevin DeYoung. I read all but four pages before the clock struck midnight, December 31st (so I guess those four pages can go on 2010's reading list).

It's an easy read. I read it all (minus four pages) in two sittings. It has the same clever wit and easy reading style that made Why We Love the Church so enjoyable. And it is filled with a bit more autobiographical detail, which was interesting. For instance, I learned that he and I are the same age. (why haven't I published my first three books yet?)

The book is aimed primarily towards young people, and as I was reading, I couldn't help but wishing that this book had been around when I was in college. Not so much for me, I've never been too indecisive, but for everybody else! I went to a Nazarene college, and remember hearing incessant talk about people "wanting to be in the center of God's will." And people worrying that if they did something that got them "off-center" that they would not receive God's full blessing, and they would be doomed to a life of second best.

It's that kind of unbiblical silliness that Kevin sets out to correct in the book. It would seem that a whole bunch of divining mediums have arisen among Christians who are seeking to make a decision. DeYoung does an admirable job analyzing the various methods, appreciating what's appreciate-able, and critiquing what's critique-able. In exchange, he offers the more biblical model of wisdom, and gives several practical how-to suggestions.

During the first half of the book, I was concerned about a slightly laissez-faire attitude about decision making. As though perhaps it was a bit too easy for Kevin to say "just do something" as a settled career man with a wife, three kids, and a house. Had he forgotten just how difficult it can be to make important decisions? However, after the chapter on "Work and Wedlock" (two of the bigger life decisions young people make) I was content that he had given decisions their fair due.

I liked this small, insightful, occasionally funny, wise, easy little book. I imagine you will like it too.

1 comment:

Joel said...

I, too, like DeYoung's writing style, and loved this book. Definitely one of my favorites I read last year. I'm also really looking forward to his next work, due out in April: The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism (on the Hiedelberg Catechism).