KISS is an acronym for "Keep it simple stupid" as a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most things work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key goal and unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
We live in an increasingly complex world, where we are bombarded by information, are constantly multi-tasking and required to ‘spin plates’ in terms of managing all the things we need to remember and do.
We seem to extend this complexity to the relationships we have with the people around us. Some are fiends, some colleagues, some acquaintances, some live near us, some are our peers, some are poor or disadvantaged, some locals and others foreigners. We form options and treat them all differently.
When I read Matthew 22: 37-40, I wonder if Jesus had the KISS principal in mind when he was asked what the greatest commandment was. Rather than picking from the tens of thousands of words in the Old testament law or arguing over keeping all ten of the ‘Ten Commandments’. Jesus kept it simple, replying,
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
Condensing the rules for life down to two tenants, that are as applicable to harmonious life today as they were then, Jesus brought simplicity to how our relationships with God and our fellow humans should be.
How about taking a 24 hour Kiss Challenge?
For 24 hours - Love God with all you heart, mind and soul AND love the people around you as yourself, no matter who they are, what their background, race, or any other characteristic is.
You never know this may change the world. After all, things work best if they are kept simple.