Book Review: Humility

I agree with Al Mohler: Humility by C.J. Mahaney is the "right book from the right man at the right time." I found my heart challenged and joy increasing as I read and begin to apply C.J.'s teaching on humility. I'm looking forward to applying the totality of this book's teaching on the battle against pride.

The first section deals with the dangers of pride and the promise of humility. These first chapters are foundation of all thinking on pride and humility. We are reminded that "humility draws the gaze of our Sovereign God." God holds out wonderful riches to the humble and terrible warnings to the prideful. God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The battle against pride is one that all Christians fight. C.J. reminds us that pride is a serious sin; because, "pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him."

The second section deals in detail with Christ's definition and demonstration of true greatness in Mark 10. Jesus was clear that true greatness is serving others for the glory of God. Jesus demonstrated true greatness in His suffering and death for prideful humans. All true humility should bring gratitude to our hearts because true humility is only possible through the death of Christ. Apart from his demonstration, we would all be prideful rebels.

The third section is classic C.J. Well over half of this book deals with the practice of true humility. C.J. gets very practical in the daily fight against pride. Here is the skeleton outline of his suggestions that I wrote on the back inside cover of my copy:

Overarching Practice: Reflect on the wonder of the Cross

Daily, In the morning:
1. Acknowledge your dependence on God.
2. Express gratitude to God.
3. Practice the spiritual disicplines.
4. Seize your commute time to memorize and meditate on Scripture.
5. Cast your cares upon Him.

Daily, In the evening:
1. Transfer all glory to God.
2. Receive the gift of sleep.
3. Make your final thought an expression of gratefulness for the Cross.

Special Focus:
1. Study the attributes of God.
2. Study the doctrines of grace.
3. Study the doctrine of sin.
4. Play golf.
5. Laugh as much as possible (mainly at yourself).

Other Practices:
1. Identify evidences of grace in others.
2. Encourage others daily.
3. Invite and pursue correction (accountability).
4. Respond humbly to trials.

Run, don't walk, to buy and read this little book. It will not take you long to read but its impact could be far reaching in your life.

Lord, help me to apply these truths. Kill pride and cultivate humility for your glory.