Customer Reviews

Descending Into Greatness

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Hybels isn't a wordsmith, but he's probably the best I've heard/read at hitting you between the eyes with a simple, powerful message. This book chronicles the lives of several individuals who turned their frantic, rat-race lives upside down by "descending" into humility and self-sacrifice. Hybels parallels the life and attitudes of Christ, describing how the God of the universe humbled himself to become our Savior in order to reach a greater joy. Easy, motivational, powerful reading

In this incredible book Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins put contemporary flesh on the biblical truth that he would lead must first make himself nothing. (Chapters are paired, one teaching a principle and its partner showing how it is playing out in the life of real people.) It's a powerful reminder that true Christianity centers on the advancing of the Kingdom of God, not in the advancement of ourselves. This book will change your life. It's a well written, soul scraping challenge that every Christian should read.

I have read a few Billy Hybels titles and in my humble opinion, "Descending Into Greatness" is one of his better ones. While the book was written around 1993, the concept of serving Jesus Christ through putting other people first is just as relevant today.

The book is around 215 pages and consists of 6 major topics:

1. Power

2. Commitment

3. Servanthood

4. Humility

5. Obedience

6. Joy

Each chapter takes a particular topic and compares the biblical definition against the worldly definition - a stark contrast, indeed. After describing the biblical definition, the topic is then followed by a person who has modeled the biblical definition.

As a result, the reader is inspired to be more like Christ through the 6 areas listed above.

In today's hyperactive focus on "Me First", Descending Into Greatness is a refreshing read. A good contrast from some of the "self-help" titles you may see on the shelves in some Christian bookstores.

Read, enjoy, and be inspired!

Recommended.

Hybels presents a fine definition of true, godly success in this work. He begins by describing the downward path to Christian success as opposed to the upward path to secular success. He then addresses various principles of success or greatness: power, commitment, servanthood, humility, obedience, and joy. Following an explanation of each principle and its biblical basis, Hybels includes a current-life illustration to drive his point home. He concludes his work by sharing his own personal story of descending into greatness, appealing to the reader to follow the biblical pattern. His conclusion is the most powerful part of the entire book.

I wholehearted recommend this book to all Christians, but especially to Christian leaders who are pursuing success. As the Scriptures say, and as Hybels says, being great is found not in becoming the head of the pack, but in becoming the servant of all.

Hybel's book will challenge the average Christian, like it did me. The book focuses on Phillipians 2 (one of my favorite passages) which Hybel uses to show the journey of the downward path to greatness that Jesus followed. Hybel believes that those who choose to follow Jesus should follow the same path. He showcases his points through vignettes of everyday people.

Although the writing is not the best, the points made in the book are very important. Personally I felt challenged by every chapter. And I think the conclusions he draws are true. We must give up our life to gain it. An ageless message that still rings true today.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in Christian ministry. The message is simple, but needs to be heard, and revisited on a regular basis.

Have you ever wondered why "Pride" is the "Chief Sin"?

Ever ask yourself why It is discussed in The Holy Bible hundreds and hundreds of times? The greatest among us down through all of human history mastered "Descending Into Greatness" through the conscious development of self-less-ness over self-ish-ness. Look at Mother Teresa of Calcutta, John Paul II, and Jesus The Christ.

A great little book with solid value for everyone alive.

Deacon Rev Lawrence L. Ruehlen

After reading this book I have only one question: Why in the world did he write it. In it Hybels weaves a sermon based on Philippians 2 with anecdotal stories of the meaning of childlike humility. It is Hybels' thesis that only through the intentional decision to move down in the world's eyes does one achieve true greatness.

Despite a grand biblical them the book is fatally flawed and full of contradictions in its interpretation of the so-called decade of "greed and decadence" of the 1980's. Here are just a few of the problems:

When he speaks of the poor getting poorer, could not this be the result of the failed polices of 30 years of liberalism? Could not the breakdown of lifestyle he bemoans be traced back to the advent of the pill, the sexual revolution and liberal social engineering rather than Reagan's economic policies? Does he think that we would have faired better under the economic policies of Jimmy Carter with an 18% inflation rate and a failed economy? What would be the plight of the poor under those conditions? Does everybody in this book suffer from codependency? Could the miracle of Willow Creek happen without the decade of greed and decadence? Was not the church built on the tithes and offerings of all those greedy Yuppies?

During the `80's Hybels was drawing a salary of $50,000. Why didn't he cut his salary in half if he was so concerned about greed and decadence?

Do yourself a favor and your blood pressure (if you are a Ronald Reagan fan) and read some other book. It is not one of Bill's best.