Start Being, Stop Doing: Transforming our sense of self by ending our obsession with performance

By Thomas A. Kilian III

Book Overview

ABOUT THE BOOK

We've bought into the lie that we are valuable, worthy, and meaningful only when our lives are going well. Performing well means that life will go well for us-filled with meaning and value. No wonder we struggle with having imperfections. The more we do to perform well, the more we're revealed for who we are: imperfect. Being imperfect in a world that gives us value according to our performance has led us to lack intimate relationships, intense meaning, and transformative faith. Our obsession with performance has led to a mediocre life, and for some, even death. But the Bible is about an abundant life from start to finish, and if we are willing to, God's words will transform us. Look at Jesus through the lens of relationship over performance and see how the worthless and misbehaviors are his friends. God cares for the imperfect. Through Jesus, you belong, are made right, and stand accepted.

COMMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS

"A must-read for anyone who is depressed by circumstances, challenged in their faith that God cares, and about to cop-out. It's for those who often get burnt out trying to live up to everybody's expectations. Based on The Prodigal Son (a parable), the book reveals how the dilemma of both sons presents us with the age-old problem of seeing our value in our doing. All I can say is, Kilian's discovery of the answer to our problem and his embodiment of it, this is what I want for myself too."

- Fleur Marie Vaz, CHIEF EDITOR OF MALAYSIAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

It presents an honest examination of the reality that our society faces with "performance-based" worth. The author's strength is his candor in detailing his struggles with self-worth that were borne out of a fundamental misunderstanding of the point of life. This is an important book.

- Judge, 30th ANNUAL WRITER'S DIGEST AWARDS

A must-read book. It helps you understand yourself better. If you believe in God or not, this book is an excellent guide to opening yourself to the new and the correct. Entertaining read, so much so that I couldn't put it down until I read the complete book.

- Dina Husseini, DEVELOPMENTAL EDITOR AND AUTHOR AT PEN IT PUBLICATIONS, LLC

Read this book if you want to be challenged on what an abundant life in Christ means. Read this book if you're tired of the false presupposition of performance theology. Thomas is a friend who helped me freshly unpack the story of the prodigal son.

- D. Clay Perkins, Ph.D., FORMER PRESIDENT OF MID-ATLANTIC CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Kilian challenges the status quo of a performance-based culture we've all accepted since birth. His writing style engages your heart and mind in a personable fashion.

- Austin Keller, SENIOR PASTOR, UBLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

I enjoyed this book and the author's encouragement for people stuck in a performance mindset. I am one of those people who value doing much more than being. I appreciate the author's sharing of the personal struggles he has gone through to help illustrate the concepts. Written very well and easy to read. I highly recommend this book.

- Phil Parker, CAMPUS MINISTER AT VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1737447509
• ISBN13: 9781737447504
• Release Date: October 2021
• Publisher: Hybrid Publishing
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"