SUCCESS SKILLS FOR HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND CAREER

A guide offers advice to Christians entering the adult world.

This latest book from Green (Successful Skills for High School, College, and Career, 2017) builds on his earlier work, which delivered systematic counsel for ethical advancement in the academic and business worlds. Here the author provides a version of those methods geared for Christians and buttressed by quotes and references from Scripture. The central philosophical gist is one of knowledgeable initiative: “You should take personal responsibility for your actions, regardless of the circumstances.” Green stresses that although Scripture makes it plain that God wants a relationship with the faithful, that bond is not a blank check. “Remember,” he writes, “that God is not a spiritual Santa Claus who merely gives you anything you want.” Rather, Christians should rely on God to help them control the anger and vindictiveness that might interfere with their own quest for self-knowledge and their ability to maintain good judgment in a conflict. In this context, the importance of good Christian fellowship is likewise emphasized: “Strong Christian faith is a non-negotiable characteristic of people in your inner circle”—a stricture that may be difficult to follow in the more culturally diverse business and academic atmosphere of the 21st century. The author asserts that “friends who are motivated and working toward goals are good role models and can encourage and inspire you to achieve your goals.” Much of Green’s advice to his readers is simple to the point of being collective common sense: Focus on your audience, be a great listener, try to manage conflicts without rancor. Young people in particular should benefit from the lucid, forceful way most of these suggestions are phrased. The added precepts aimed specifically at Christians are comparatively minimal. Green, for instance, stresses that “successful people commit to lifelong learning,” but here the education takes the form of regular Gospel study. While Christians will find all of these tips encouraging, even non-Christians would benefit from quite a few of the reminders in these pages about respecting other people and acting professionally.

A clear, practical, and well-written blueprint for Christians to get the most out of schools and careers.