I got a really brief book in the mail the other day called “The Fulfillment Principle” and wanted to mention a few thoughts about it here. The first thought I had reading the first chapter or so was that this book was going to be another one of those, “If you do this and that expect God to do amazing things in your life” kind of making God say “uncle” to my plan books. I was pleasantly surprised that was not the route taken in this book. This book is centered around the parable of the talents. What I like about Bob’s take on the parable is that really the master viewed all three servants the same even though their talents were at different levels. God has entrusted us all with something and he will help us grow those things in ways God sees best. That is really what this is all about and what pleased me most about this book. This is not about increasing our abilities but about letting God work in us and through us. That is a refreshing take amongst all of the books out there that basically tell you how to twist God’s arm into doing what we want God to do for us.
The heart and soul of this book are the stories. Bob tells many stories of people who stepped out in faith, took a chance through faith and let God do the rest. He has stories about all kinds of different ministries, rescue efforts, orphans homes, and more and how all it took was someone who was really willing to give it up to God and depend on God 100% in order to find success in ministry. Again, this book is not about us. This book is about how God is able to work through us to bring things to the end God desires.
The book ends with two things it calls on us all to respond to. The first thing is to identify what God has called us to do. It may be something long term or it may just be the very next conversation you have that can help someone. Just be willing to be used, open yourself up to it and watch God work. Second the book calls us to find joy in being used for God’s purposes. Through that joy, being used by God, we find our ultimate fulfillment in this life.
Thanks to Bob for writing a book that goes against the grain of many books of this type. Thanks for writing a book that is God-centered and about what God wants for our lives rather than trying to write a road map to manipulating God to follow our plans. It is a short book and a quick read. If you are looking for some direction I would recommend checking it out.
