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"Spark" offers both sparks and sputters ...

by James Scott Jr

August 20, 2012

@scottyjws

The spark of an idea has resulted in revolutions, the spark of a match has caused vast forest fires, and the spark of a conviction has changed a multitude of lives.

Imagine what could happen in your own life if you fed your "spark" with the courage to take a small risk.

That's the idea of Jason Jaggard's soon to be released book, "Spark," published by WaterBrook Press (the book goes on sale August 21).

Jaggard's book is both a spark and a sputter.

He does a good job of reminding us nothing much happens without taking a risk. In fact, risk is the focal point of the book, and Jaggard is an evangelist for moving people to act on a spark. What is a "spark"?

"A Spark is a choice. A small risk. It's a flash of light that brightens the everyday routine of your life. It's a decision to move from inaction to action," writes Jaggard.

But the book also sputters ...

First, it's a little self-serving. The book represents some of the message and mission for Jaggard's company, "Spark Good," and a tool for "spark groups" which are somewhat promoted throughout. A "spark group" is a "... small group of people who agree to encourage and support one another in an experiment in risk."

The book also sputters when Jaggard, like many others today, finds a need to redefine some key biblical terms and the concepts they represent. I found myself uncomfortable with Jaggard redefining the meaning of "holy" to "living an inspirational life" bcause he didn't like the original meaning of the word. He doesn't stop there with his redefinitions; he later redefines faith as risk, love as compassion, and hope as optimism. Then he proffers what is probably the single worst redefinition for the Great Commission I've ever heard or read.

And he's still not done.

Jaggard also tries to offer a new definition for balance. I thought I would be in agreement with him on this one because he starts out by highlighting how the concept of "balance" is more myth than true ... and then he turns around and simply tries to redefine balance instead of showing how God calls us to live an "imbalanced" life.

What I found most valuable in this book is inbetween the sparks and sputters, Jaggard shares some brilliant biblical insights and thinking. I was delighted to see the depth to which Jaggard has studied and thought on several of the ideas he offers, and appreciate his ability to communicate some wise insights clearly and concisely. It is these flashes of brilliance that make wading through the sputters worth the effort.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”