On my personal Facebook page, I daily post an inspiration quote that I recorded decades ago in journals that I called “JoyBooks.” Recently, I posted one from Aldous Huxley. “People often ask me, what is the most effective technique for transforming their life? It is a little embarrassing that after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is – just be a little kinder.”
Huxley was an English writer and philosopher. While I don’t necessarily agree with his lifestyle or life philosophy, I agree that we need more kindness. It is sorely lacking in our culture today.
As Christians, we had our life transformed by salvation in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds us that first “He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” [Colossians 1:13 HCSB]
We have been moved from darkness into the Kingdom of God – that is a finished work in Christ. But the transformation of our lives is also something that continues in us while we walk in this world. “We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.” [2 Corinthians 3:18 HCSB]
And part of that transformation is the active putting on, clothing ourselves with the characteristics of Christ Jesus,
“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” [Colossians 3:12 HCSB]
Kindness. While kindness is sorely lacking in our world, in our politicians, corporations, media and sometimes even in our neighborhoods, it should never be sorely lacking in the life of a Christian. We are to be kind.
