Why Kindness?

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I was asked to write two book forwards this week.  This is something I have done for a number of writers – more in recent years.

I am becoming increasingly wary of who I write either forwards or book “plugs” for these days.  Why?
… Many come to me as the “Kindness Guy” thinking they “get it”
… Nice folks one and all, but as we chat I realize they have far oversimplified the way of kindness
… that to live a lifestyle of kindness is not simplistic, though it is simple
… simple as in the way Jesus lived.

One point to ponder:  All who have made a dent in the world they live in
–       those who have not simply passed through and gone “quietly into that dark night”

–       but have determined at some point

–       most usually come to that point in their early twenties

–       make that dent by living out the power of kindness if one takes the time to scratch past the mere surface of things.

How can one shift from where they are now to living from that position?

Here is a thought pregnant with layers of meaning.  Suggest you write it on an index card and ponder it for a few days.

“Forget about succeeding yourself.  Toss all of those thoughts away.  (‘Cast your bread upon the water’ as the scriptures say.)  Live with the goal in mind that you are all about making others shine, others stand out from the crowd – others “successful” – whatever that means in their world.”  Do that, and you will succeed wildly – regardless of what your original aim was.  Guaranteed, you will wake up one day not long from now and realize you accidentally hit the bull’s eye yourself – as surprising as it may have been.

Steve has spoken, mentored and modeled to churches and leaders around the world with the simple message that anyone – regardless of their gifting or experience – can be involved in bringing God’s loving kindness to others. His first book, Conspiracy of Kindness has been translated into several languages with more in the works. His first book has sold over 300,000 copies. Altogether his books have sold over 500,000 copies.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Steve, That is an awesome post. I love your thoughts on helping others succeed and in so doing “accidently” succeeding yourself. Living the life of service is not something we undertake on Sunday mornings or monthly outreaches but on a daily basis wherever we find ourselves.

    Thanks for that great reminder!!

  2. Steve,

    sounds a lot like what Jesus said…”seek ye first the kingdom of God…”

    Excellent quote!

  3. We all want to do something big for God but many march out onto the battlefield without ever “getting it” as you said Steve and the blow that is received from the enemy many times is deadly. It is not about us! Our Big Dreams if they are really of grand proportions are bigger than we are. That is because the real Big Dreams are from God; each one of us has a piece of the puzzle placed in us by God. This puzzle piece is really an answer to a question and only God knows how it fits in the big picture. We are given this answer because God wants to work through us to reveal His glory to all the earth. If the Big Dream is within our means to accomplish than it is not from God.

    Carl Shelton

  4. Your post has stuck with me for a week now. The idea of living to make others sucessfull is God thought.

  5. In the mean time (until we are able to do something really big, on the front lines) we are obligated to show the love of our Lord and Savior to all mankind and doing through “kindness” is one of the best ways I know of. Thanks Steve for your leadership and your example in this area.

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