Humility: True Greatness

Only in the past two years have I known much about C. J. Mahaney. Much of what I have learned is a result of the wiki leaks this last year and the controversy surrounding his leave of absence from Sovereign Grace Ministries. These events played a role in me reading this book. I figured the guy who wrote a book on the subject of humility then stepped down to have his character examined, specifically the matter of humility, must take this characteristic and his character extremely seriously.After having read this book, I really feel like I've had a window into this man's heart. If you've gotten caught up in this controversial discussion about C. J. Mahaney, I encourage you to read this book before being swept away by a torrent of media that might bias your views of this man. Before deciding what we think of Mahaney, we need to see the presupposition under which he operates his Christian life. It is clear that the virtue of humility is cherished by him as it ought to by us all. It is also clear that when this character attribute of his is challenged, he does not take the challenge lightly. I appreciate they lengths at which he took in order to be tested and restored rightly.I actually read Humility in February just after my recent surgery. I was cooped up in bed for a couple of days, and it seemed like good timing to give this book a read. After having read the book, I heartily recommend this book to every Christian who desires to understand the attribute of humility and the role that it ought to play in each of our lives.According to Mahaney, "Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness." In contrast to humility, Mahaney explains, "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him." Basically, Mahaney says that our pride is strong when we forget our place before God and try to usurp that place from Him. Mahaney continues, "That's the motive and ultimate purpose of pride - to rob God of legitimate glory and to pursue self-glorification, contending for supremacy with Him." Humility is when we see ourselves the way God sees us, warts and all.The beauty of it all is that God loves through our sinfulness. We know this because God the Father sent God the Son, who willingly subjected Himself to death on the cross. Mahaney elaborates on the value of Christ's death in respect to the subject of humility,"Here's an essential truth: To learn true humility, we need more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than Jesus' personal example of humble service. What we need is His death..." Why was the death of Jesus necessary? Because all of humanity is corrupt and condemned, and we all have an acute tendency to deny the reality of our lost state before God.Without first being confronted by Christ's death and encountering the wonder of salvation we cannot walk in humility. Humility requires us to emulate and sacrifice like Christ did when he died, according to Mahaney this is true greatness. What I've just shared covers the material from Parts One and Two of this book. Those two parts help the reader have context for understanding the links between pride, greatness, and humility. Part Three is where Mahaney provides encouragement and methods for practicing humility. This section includes principles to practice at the beginning of the day, the end of the day, and also some special principles.As each day begins Mahaney challenges the reader to reflect on the wonder of the cross, to acknowledge our need for God, to give gratitude to God, and to practice spiritual disciplines. As an aside he recommends Don Whitney's book, Spiritual Discipline for the Christian Life, a book I am reading at present. Mahaney encourages those who wish to practice humility to take advantage of their commute and make it purposeful time with God. He also challenges the reader to cast their cares upon God.As the day ends Mahaney cautions the reader from committing cosmic plagiarism. This is when we take credit for what God does in our lives. He also encourages us to accept the gift of sleep, then close the day with expressing gratefulness for Christ's death and resurrection.As a special focus Mahaney encourages the reader to study the attributes of God, study the doctrine of grace, nbsp;and study the doctrine of sin.There are a bunch of nuggets to take away from this book. One of the most precious ones that I found was in Mahaney's chapter on encouraging others. This nugget has to do with correcting others. Mahaney says, "Never correct without reminding the individual, at some point, of the gospel. Any conversation including correction must also include the gospel, because biblical correction is incomplete apart from the gospel." This observation of his is absolutely the best snapshot of this book. Always at the center of humility is a message, action, or lifestyle centered on the gospel. This is how it should be. When we rise Christ's resurrection is on our hearts and in our morning prayers. When we walk we proclaim the fulfilled promise of our Savior. When we lay our head down, we rest peacefully in the hands that were pierced for our transgressions, remembering the cost he paid for so great a salvation.Once again, I recommend reading this book. Then a couple of months after having read it, re-acquaint yourself with the book and review your notes. That is what I did this evening, and it refreshed my soul.View more book reviews by Joey Cochran at jtcochran.com.

Why I recommend it - I gave the book 5 stars because it is really well written, biblical, and application oriented. CJ's style of writing is well illustrated, but not over illustrated. The books starts good and surprisingly gets better and better. The emphasis is not philosophy of humility, the book is focused on helping the reader cultivate humility in his or her life. I wish I could buy copies for all my good friends.Specifics:Well written: I really appreciate writers who illustrate their points well, but do not over illustrate their points. This makes for shorter better books. Each major point is supported by Scripture and genuine in that he shares about his life and experiences. I was surprised that the book got better and better. The last chapter on parenting or legacy was powerful - really struck me as a Dad of two little ones.Biblical: I bought the book hoping that he would give some detail to the spiritual warfare involved in pride versus humility. Satan and his forces of darkness love to encourage pride in us and we see this in Scripture. CJ barely mentions Satan or forces of darkness - disappointing. However, the book is biblically solid and even though he didn't develop the theme I was looking for, I was encouraged and challenged by his emphasis on application or cultivating humility in the Christian life.Application oriented: about 7 years ago I read Humilty by Andrew Murray with a group of guys, I remember loving Murray, but struggling to get through it. Murray's classic is quite "heady." Mahaney's book is quite different. Mahaney sets the stage in the first couple chapters and then he takes you on a practical - daily approach to cultivating humility in your life. Really good applications.Memorable nuggets:Isaiah 66:2 - "...this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."James 4:6 - "God... gives grace to the humble""Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness."John Stott "At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.""Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him"1 Peter 5:5 - "God opposes the proud"Jonathan Edwards, Pride is, "the worst viper that is in the heart... the greatest disturber of the soul's peace and sweet communion with Christ... the most hidden, secret, and deceitful of all lusts.""...true greatness as biblically defined: serving others for the glory of God. This is the genuine expression of humility; this is true greatness as the Savior defined it""To learn true humility, we need more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than Jesus' example... Mark 10:45... true greatness is not even possible for us apart from the Savior's unique sacrifice." What we need is His death."Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon god and your need for God"Gratefulness is an evidence of humility."The humble are genuinely care free" 1 Peter 5 - God cares for you and He will lift you upHumble yourself, "receive the gift of sleep from God and acknowledge His purpose for sleep"The Apostle Paul and his grace to the church at Corinth - great example/illustrationHumble people speak word of encouragement to those around themInvite and pursue correction from other people in your life.Great chapter of trials and humility.Chapter 12 - A Legacy of Greatness - this chapter alone is worth the price of the book - fantastic!"Ultimately, there can be no effective expansion of your life's mission and ministry, no fulfillment of the specific purpose He's called you to, apart from the cultivation of humility in your heart and the weakening of pride in your life" END

Good topic, shallow book. Shame that the author was removed from his office as a pastor due to his pride. If the rules described in this book to be humble, didn't help the author himself to stay humble, I am not sure how they could help anyone else. Will need to seek elsewhere.

Such a great book, small yet big in wisdom!

C J has done a great job with a difficult subject for anyone to write about. A must read for all, especially those in or going into leadership.

Very pleased - a good read

Excellent .... can't wait to read it again. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who thinks that they're doing ok with their humility - very challenging.