Customer Reviews

Be Last: Descending to Greatness

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have just finished reading Be Last, Descending to Greatness, written by Jeremy Kinglsey. I have never read a book quite like this one since I don't really enjoy books that quote scriptures. However, I was extremely interested in the author's basic premise.

Over the course of the last few years, I have noticed how we, as a society, have become self-centered and, at times, downright selfish people. I, myself, have realized that I automatically seem to always consider "my" needs and "my" wants above all else. How did we get to this point?

Kingsley tells us that we need to go back to a more basic place - we need to read and apply God's word to our everyday life and more importantly, we need to stop placing ourselves first and to start being of service to our fellow man - and put THEM first - just as Jesus did before us.

I believe that for most people, this is a tough concept to accept. Not because we are horrible people - but rather because it goes against what society and the "corporate world" is trying to tell us. Yet, there is something enticing about the way Kingsley describes the various situations he has had to live through and how he has applied his beliefs, regardless of what "the world" may be thinking of him.

I also like Kingsley's basic message - that service and humility go hand and hand. If you are available and present for someone else, you will feel the greatness inside. For anyone in a 12 step program, this will strike a cord - as we are told that one of the cornerstones of recovery is to do service - to be there always with a helping hand.

This book is relatively short (165 pages) and is written in a down to earth, easy to read manner and the author obviously lives what he believes. At times, I found it a little difficult to get through all of the quoted scriptures but I do see that they are the foundation of the book and therefore are a crucial part.

This book is a great read for those of us looking for answers.

Mr. Kingsley obviously has captured the essence of the Christian message-- from last to first. He has also communicated this in a down to earth, yet intelligent manner. I was captured by the stories in which he related his dicoveries, particularly, the one about Kingsley's father getting saved through a drapery salesman, becoming a pastor, himself, and now Kingsley explaining to his son, Jaden, his work in the Kingdom as an evangelist. Good stuff. Very readable. Very enjoyable. Very inspiring. Get "Be Last". Buy it fast.

I would especially recommend this for the high school and college age, but let's not leave out the young adult, either. Oh, and the 4 stars? I give the Bible 5.

Jeremy Kingsley is an amazing individual that challenges you to think in ways that are completely different from what our 'normal society' teaches. I have encouraged everyone I know to get and experience this book.

"Be Last" by Jeremy Kingsley is as appealing on the outside as on the inside. The front cover drew me to the book immediately. What does an upside down throne really mean? Well, in God's topsy-turvy economy, it means that He doesn't see things the way we see things. And which way really counts when you're trying to live for Him? We must alter our perceptions of what we believe is right and take on God's mindset.

The back cover is equally thoughtful. There is an equation: "Humility + Service = Greatness!" WOW!!! Is this a hint?

The first shall be last. Christ, Himself, first set the example of this kind of living for us. This oxymoron is on of the basic building blocks of how the Christian life is supposed to be lived. Being a humble, selfless servant is not a popular position to hold as a human being. Jesus came to serve. The Ruler of the Universe. Creator. Savior. God. Servant. How can we, His sheep, think we're greater than the Shepherd? If He came to serve, how can we refuse to do so?

This book is full of wonderful scriptures to inspire the reader to greatness by encouraging humility and the development of a servant's heart. "Be Last" is a challenging, life altering read. Even if you only absorb and apply one nugget of truth from this book, it is worth it!

Blanchard and Chapman back Kingsley with accurate endorsements regarding this counter-cultural call back to living a Christian life of significance via upside-down thinking. Blanchard says, "Jeremy Kingsley drives home one of the deepest principles of life and leadership", and Chapman says, "It is obvious Jeremy Kingsley has discovered the secret so many people - believers and nonbelievers alike - continue to overlook." 'BE LAST: Descending to Greatness' will realign your thinking with the Biblical call to servant-style living. Kingsley's charming, yet convicting delivery will keep you turning the pages while his excellent grasp of the Scriptures ensures you stay Biblically grounded. This is a must read!

This book allows the reader to get a glimpse of what life is supposed to be like compared to what life often becomes. The world has it backwards. The first shall be last, Less is more, lose it and you will find it. What?
Kingsley lets the reader see that Jesus teaches us to live in a way that is completely opposite of the way of the world. What a refreshing message in the hectic world of North America.

GET IT, READ IT and LIVE IT! Then give your copy (or buy another) to someone else and let them experience it as well

Having had Jeremy at our church for a week, I can testify that he lives the principles of this book. That speaks louder to me than the words of the book itself. The book is easy to read. I like the "bible study" approach to the book. It can be done individually, or in a group.

I just finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was challenged by Kinglsey's clearly presented biblical picture of greatness (service+humility) and encouraged by the personal stories of his journey.

I've purchased many copies and have begun to give them out to eager recipients. I also plan to use them in my Bible class (high school) next year to supplement my New Testament course.

In a culture of "being on top no matter the cost" Jeremy Kingsley delivers a much needed message on how to be great through service. I've had the privilege of traveling around the world with Jeremy and have personally experienced his servant heart and genuine humility. God has really used Jeremy to challenge me over the years and I hope that many people check out this book and allow God to speak to them through Jeremy's story as well.

If you are not looking for an incredible tool for understanding the way God wants you to live, then you should have no interest in this book. If you are not interested in understanding who God has called you to be, and how that affects His plans for your life, then you should keep clicking on to something else. If you shy away from being challenged by someone who has stepped up and presented a clear picture for what God desires with your life, then you should not spend your $13 here. Your decision.