Book Preview - Humility: True Greatness

(I've decided to take a short recess from the current topic with a preview of author C.J. Mahaney's forthcoming book entitled, Humility: True Greatness. We'll return to our discussion on the importance of purity within the believer's life in a few days. - Clarissa Ramos)

Although I'd been familiar with the name C.J. Mahaney for some time, due to his role at Sovereign Grace Ministries and his association with Joshua Harris, I had never had the chance to read any of his books; that is until I was given the opportunity to be one of fifty bloggers to preview his forthcoming book, Humility: True Greatness.

Let me start off by saying that I was by no means disappointed. Though some authors invest a great deal of time and effort in trying to convince the reader that they "know what they're talking about," such is not the case with Mr. Mahaney. In fact, he makes it a point to occasionally remind the reader (and himself, perhaps) that he is nothing more than "a proud man pursuing humility by the grace of God" and not an expert in the field of self-abasement. He addresses the topic of humility with such clarity and depth of insight that I realized immediately who I was dealing with: a wise man with a heart that seeks to honor God. No fluff here (well, maybe with the exception of his apparent golf fetish, but we'll let that one slide). C.J. Mahaney brings the topic of humility to the table in an engaging and easy to understand way, without sacrificing Biblical truth in the process. His writing style is smooth, yet pointed, and he consistently points to the cross of Christ as the indicator of pride in one's life as well as the source of strength and grace for humility.

Part one begins the book by addressing the issue of pride verses humility. He defines the two (very helpful for those of us who seldom take the time to contemplate the true nature of humility - or pride, for that matter) and emphasizes the importance of humility in the light of God's glory. He then proceeds to underscore the grievous nature of pride, an affront to God and His glory.

In part two Mahaney contrasts the world's definition of humility with God's revelation of humility in the person of His Son, Jesus. He reminds us that not only is Christ the supreme example of humility and the standard by which we must measure our own efforts toward the same, but that such greatness would not even be possible for us if not for Christ's death. Apart from this sacrifice there is no hope of breaking free from the grip of pride and achieving the goal of humility. Here Mahaney presents the life-changing power of the Gospel message.

Part three was perhaps the most helpful to me personally, as it centered around the practical out-working of humility in one's life. Here Mahaney seems to get the ball rolling full force. He explains our need for the purposeful application of humility in this way:

"Merely being inspired by the promise of humility or the meaning of true greatness is not sufficient; nor is it enough to also be educated about the perils of pride. If there's ever to be a meaningful transformation in our lives, if we are to make progress in restraining pride and manifesting humility, there must be the purposeful application of truth - an effort and pursuit on our part that God will use for sanctifying transformation in our lives."

Mahaney continues by laying out some practical suggestions for personal growth in the area of humility. He emphasizes the need for a strategy, or a list, in this endeavor - a physical reminder of the seriousness of the struggle between pride and humility. However, Mahaney avoids the legalistic approach taken by some and reminds the reader that true humility can only be wrought in the believer's life through grace.

Mr. Mahaney offers some surprising ways in which to humble ourselves before the Lord and bring Him glory. For example, how many people view sleeping as a pathway to humility? I know I certainly didn't! Likewise, he encourages the reader to focus on several other areas of particular importance, such as studying the attributes of God, the doctrines of grace, and the doctrine of sin, as well as identifying evidences of grace in others and seeking to encourage them, identifying and pursuing correction in our own lives, responding humbly to trials, and being an example of humility to our children. He then ends the book with a list of suggestions to "weaken pride and cultivate humility" (essentially a summary of the book) and again directs the reader to the cross and person of Christ as the driving force behind the pursuit of humility.

I highly recommend Humility: True Greatness to any believer who is serious about cultivating Christ-likeness and godliness within their lives (which should be every believer). C.J. Mahaney does a wonderful job of not only explaining the need for humility but of instilling a passion and a desire for it within the believer personally. Humility: True Greatness is slated to be released at the end of this month - go buy it! You won't regret it.

- Clarissa Ramos

Sample Chapter (Multnomah)
Book Preview by Tim Challies
C.J. Mahaney Interview By Justin Taylor
Pre-Buy From Amazon.com