Be Last

by Jeremy Kingsley

Being a Christian is a radical commitment for each of us. It requires us to be different from what culture tells us to be, to understand Christ's revolutionary ministry. This book will help people see that Jesus calls us to a revolutionary way of life—a life that's counter cultural to our “me-centered” culture. We are called to put Jesus first, others second, and ourselves last.

Genres: Christian, Religion

169 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2008

Reviews

[Kenzie Kraling · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first, I loved this book; it had me thinking and convicted over my desires to “be first” rather than “be last” like the Bible calls for us to do. However, the examples and language he used felt so casual that I didn’t feel challenged after the first couple of chapters. As the book went on, it was very repetitive, and his new ideas didn’t feel worthy of the time they were given. Overall, great concept but not enough new content for it to be an engaging book.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new twist on an old concept. The phrase "servant leadership" is a tired one that often gets overused, especially in Christian circles. Kingsley does a great job of putting a new spin on this tired concept. It is not just about serving others or even putting others first. True greatness, true leadership, true life comes when we seek to put ourselves last in every area of life on a daily basis. This is completely contrary to my sinful nature. This is the complete opposite of my natural desire to serve myself first and put myself on the throne. Kingsley really challenged me to think through every area of my life, from serving others to my attitudes toward others to the way I work on the job. How can I and how am I putting myself last in every area of life? How can I better serve God, better love God, in every area of my life? The more I put myself last and seek to honor God in all things, the better life becomes. This was very challenging and very encouraging. This book really made me reconsider the biblical idea of putting others before myself and worshipping God. I worship Him best when I put myself last. I love Him best when I am last in all things. I have so much growing to do!

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is another book I read for the Christian Youth Group I'm a visitor to. It wasn't bad, it had some good, solid ideas, but the writing was mediocre.

It had shorter chapters, which was nice, and each section focused on a way to "be last" in life, while referencing the Bible and using stories both from that source and real life to illustrate points.

This is both good and bad. It was good to illustrate points to further explain what Christians should be doing, but some of the stories (especially the personal ones) seemed silly and/or extreme.

I was a little offended when he said that Christians shouldn't hang out with nonbelievers since nonbelievers will only work to unChristianize, not further the connection with God. I call bull on that (being nonChristian). I might work to make people question what the Church and Bible say, but I'd like to think I'm working to make people think about what God would really want.

Overall, worth a read, but nothing mindblowingly awesome. This is something I'd borrow from a friend or the library, not purchase.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. One of the most thought provoking books ever.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this book was about servanthood but the writing style came off too casual and flippant for the material. Still some good takeaways!