Rick Lawrence
David C. Cook, 2012, 272 pp., $14.99

Shrewd is not a trait that many of us would say we want to have or for which we want to be known. Cutthroat business guys are shrewd. Used-car salesmen are shrewd. Not Christians, especially not pastors. One would think being shrewd might be the quickest way to lose your ministry position. However, according to author Rick Lawrence, it might be the thing we need to be more effective in our ministries.

In Lawrence’s new book Shrewd: Daring to Live the Startling Command of Jesus, he takes a deeper look at Jesus’ command to His disciples in Matthew 10:16 to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” as well as The Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16:1-13. Both passages beg the question: If Jesus speaks so positively about being shrewd, how should it look in our lives as Christians? Through explaining the context of each passage, as well as a number of personal stories and anecdotes, Lawrence helps the reader understand that being shrewd not only is a good thing, but also crucial for our Christian walks and making an impact for the kingdom of God.

“Shrewd people (and Jesus is the Exemplar),” Lawrence explains, “first study how things work, and then leverage that knowledge to tip the balance in a favored direction. Shrewdness is the expert application of the right force at the right time in the right place.” Just as with most things in life, being shrewd can be used for good or for bad; but when connected to innocence and the Holy Spirit, the shrewdness we should be living out has everything to do with bringing heaven to earth in the way we live every day.

Shrewd is a thoughtful and challenging book that will make you reevaluate your leadership style and ministry strategy. If you are feeling stuck with where you are in life; if you are frustrated with a lack of response from students, parents or church leadership in your church; or if your ministry has hit a plateau, picking up this book and learning how to be more shrew could be exactly what you need.