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Humility: True Greatness

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C. J. Mahaney has done it again. He has written three other books that have all hit the mark in terms of insightful teaching that is characterized by fidelity to the Bible and practical application to life today (his others are: The Cross-Centered Life; Christ, Our Mediator; Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God). Humility: True Greatness is no different. Here he brings to light the Scripture's teaching on the damning sinfulness of pride, and the glorious attractiveness of humility. The book contains the following chapters:

Part 1: Our Greatest Friend, Our Greatest Enemy
- The Promise of Humility
- The Perils of Pride

Part 2: The Great Reversal
- Greatness Redefined
- Greatness Demonstrated

Part 3: Our Great Pursuit
- As Each Day Begins
- As Each Day Ends
- For Special Focus
- Identifying Evidences of Grace
- Encouraging Others
- Inviting and Pursuing Correction
- Responding Humbly to Trials
- A Legacy of Greatness
- A Final Word
- How to Weaken Pride and Cultivate Humility: A List of Suggestions

This book should be required reading for every Christian. Sadly today, our churches and larger denominational ministries foster a sense of pride and achievement. We must recover an understanding of true greatness if we want to see victory in the Christian life and true revival in our generation.

Although, he would certainly deny it (as is clear, if you have ever had the privilege of hearing him speak) Mahaney himself is truly a humble man, and I believe that is one of the reasons he has been so mightily used by God. Buy the book, and get started learning humility.

There is a certain irony in the pursuit of humility. We see a glimpse of that in the title of this book, Humility: True Greatness. Humility is true greatness. The pursuit of humility and the pursuit of greatness are one and the same, provided that we seek greatness as defined by the Creator. I have never met C.J. Mahaney (though hope to some day), but from all accounts he is well-qualified to write a book on such a difficult subject. And this is a difficult topic. After all, how can a person write a book on humility without sounding like he feels he is most qualified? The truth is he can, provided he uses the Scripture as the foundation for his teaching. And that is exactly what Mahaney does.

The book is divided into three sections. Part one deals with the battle of humility versus pride, part two with our Savior and the secret of true greatness and part three with the practice of true humility.

In the first part, Mahaney defines humility and shows how true humility is nothing less than a battle against the pride that lives deep within every heart. "Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in the light of God's holiness and our sinfulness." These two realities must be the foundation of any definition of humility: our sinfulness and God's holiness. This is precisely why true greatness can only be achieved by followers of Jesus Christ, for only they have had their eyes opened by the Holy Spirit to see the depth of their own depravity and the overwhelming holiness of God.

Mahaney teaches, rightly I believe, that God hates the sin of pride above all other sin. This is a sin that plagues all humans, though it manifests itself in different ways. So the issue facing the believer is he examines his life is not if pride is present, but where it is present. For most of us it is deeply ingrained in our lives and only a great amount of Spirit-guided self-examination can draw it to the surface.

In the second part, Mahaney defines greatness as Jesus did, showing that being great means being a servant to everyone. Just as Jesus came to serve, so must we serve with our lives. Christ lived as the perfect example of humble service. As in all his books, Mahaney leads the reader to the cross, stating that apart from Christ's sacrifice, there is no serving. We can only attain true greatness by emulating Christ's example - the example that led him to the cross where He made the greatest sacrifice.

In the third and final part of the book Mahaney builds on the foundation he has built through Scripture to provide advice on the practice of humility. This is far more than a bullet list of do's and don'ts. It is far more than a false, monastic humility that is really no humility at all. Instead, he examines several different areas of life and shows how humility can be applied to all of them. From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep (and even while we are asleep) we can practice humility. Whether we experience joy or pain, whether we are correcting or being corrected, we all have opportunities to practice humility every day.

Humility: True Greatness is a truly great book. I do not know of a person who shows no pride in his life, and thus I do not know of a person who would not benefit from reading it. I highly and unreservedly recommend this book. I pray that it will be widely-read, that humility may be widely-practiced.

C.J. Mahaney's latest book, Humility: True Greatness, is an amazing challenge to believers to think seriously about how much weight God has placed on humility. The challenge of this book springboards from Isaiah 66:2, "This is the one whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." As the title hints at, Mahaney has put together a concise and practical book that calls us to seek humility, which is how God defines true greatness.

The author has a clear, yet personable writing style and Humility is a prime example. He tackles such topics as defining biblical humility ("Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness." p. 22) and pride ("Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him." p. 31).

Mahaney also does a wonderful job giving practical encouragements of how to foster humility in our daily lives: through prayer, acting in grace toward others, and opening oneself up for correction. There is even a checklist summary of practical things we can do to strive after humility at the end of the book.

Of course, a lot more could have been written, but an exhaustive manifesto on humility does not seem to be Mahaney's ambition. Rather, this excellent book is a crisp, if not humble, approach to a hugely important topic in the life of a Christ-follower.

All in all, Mahaney has hit another home run. I can't imagine any believer not being challenge by this convicting and gracious book. He has such an accessible style that many readers will be able to devour Humility in one sitting. I would recommend that you go at a slower pace and let these powerful challenges transform your life. In fact, I've already bought several copies that I have been doling out to my coworkers. Thanks C.J. - please keep books like this coming! - Todd Burgett, Christian Book Previews.com

The premise of C.J. Mahaney's new book Humility: True Greatness is from a quote by John Stott that says "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." Mahaney takes the sin of pride very seriously and sees the solution to it as equally imperative.

Being one of the founders of Sovereign Grace Ministries and the author of several other devotional books that are graced with endorsements by Al Mohler, Jerry Bridges Ligon Duncon, Mark Dever, and Wayne Grudem, Mahaney has much to be proud of; but he doesn't think so. Following his foundational principles laid down in his book The Cross-Centered Life Mahaney contends true humility is cultivated at Calvary "beholding the lamb of God." This, he avers, transforms the self-confident into humble servants for the glory of God, and thus makes the strongest, most insightful point in the book.

After delineating some helpful teaching on the nature of pride, humility, and the power of the gospel Mahaney spends middle section of his book developing a number of strategies that he believes will nurture seeds of humbleness planted in the sojourning saint. He recommends studying the transcendent attributes of God (omniscience, onimpotence, omnipresence), the nature of sin (according to John Owen), and "the Doctrines of Grace" (Calvinism). Though he does not say explicitly, the implication, at least in this area, that non-Calvinists cannot truly cultivate humility looms in the background-a truly fictitious notion when one examines the lives of such saints as D.L Moody and Billy Graham. This was the weaker portion of the book.

Beyond that he spends an excessive amount of ink on habits of piety that require as much humility to practice as they produce. Things like rising early to worship God, memorizing Scripture while stuck in traffic, thanking God for sleep (!), inviting correction, and encouraging others are all part of the game plan for developing an unassuming, self-effacing character. These are wonderful things, of course, but problematic to teaching humility like this, however, is that they assume what they are trying to yield: humility. However, I only say this speaking from my own futile experience and don't claim to have a corner on the "how to" when it comes to refining a humble character, so readers of this review would do well to take my words with a grain of salt.

Mahaney does break in with his sense of humor, however. The suggestion of playing lots of golf made me laugh out loud with hearty agreement. At this point Mahaney shines with his commitment to not taking himself too seriously, which is most commendable.

He ends the book with some very helpful chapters on humbly engaging trials suffering by looking at the text of Habakkuk, and raising humble children.

I cannot say this book is the best on humility and pride. Andrew Murray and CS Lewis have communicated it in more poetic terms mixing good doctrine with mystery that resonate more with the soul. Even so, Mahaney does provide a nice field manual for those in his Reformed Baptist heritage, and it is not surprising to see the endorsements come from this tradition.

I thought, wow, this is going to be a great book.

I wasn't prepared for what I got.

A book that broke me, that had me on my knees, that used the word of God to pierce between my joints and marrow.

Flawless theology, intensely practical, powerfully written.

I feel I do the book an injustice by trying to describe or summarize it at all, so a sentence from the epilogue will do:

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.


Let this book be a tool that the Spirit uses to expose the pervasiveness and perversity of pride in your life and challenge you to turn in humility and repentance to a gracious God.

Though Humility: True Greatness is small, its depth and impact are big. It's accessible but profound, rooted in Scripture yet intensely practical. And there isn't a single one of us who couldn't benefit from its message. As Mahaney points out:

"The sad fact is that none of us are immune from the logic-defying, blinding effects of pride. Though it shows up in different forms and to differing degrees, it infects us all."

Mahaney begins by making the case for how crucial this topic really is. He then takes a unique angle that I really appreciated. I always thought pursuing humility was important simply because the opposite, pride, was so abominable. But although Mahaney doesn't mince words about the seriousness of pride, he also turns attention to the positive: Humility is something to cultivate because of the promise it offers ("God gives grace to the humble"), not just because of the curse its alternative brings.

Mahaney's self-deprecating humor and honesty about his own struggles with pride make him relatable and credible. He often anticipated my questions and objections with powerful illustrations of pride in his own life. And his disclaimers that he's unqualified to write a book about humility, combined with his friends' and family's endorsements of his humble spirit, only add to his credibility.

More than once, he caught me with a direct hit--describing my prideful thoughts or heart attitudes with startling exactness. Yet Mahaney isn't out to beat you down and discourage you. Part of the beauty of the book is the thread of the gospel woven throughout. Over and over, he brings you back to the grace and mercy of the cross.

One of the most powerful things I learned from this book was that having a correct definition of "greatness" and a perfect example to follow (Jesus) is not enough for me to attain humility. I can't be great unless I imitate Christ...but I can't imitate Christ apart from the cross. Only Christ's death--His sacrifice to ransom us from sin--will set us free from pride and enable us to be humble. Understanding that is the key to toppling pride. It all comes back to the cross--the foundation of Mahaney's life and ministry and the core of this book.

Once he has laid the theological groundwork, Mahaney gets extremely practical. Pride must be actively fought; humility must be intentionally cultivated. This character development isn't just going to happen as we read the book--it's going to take work. So the second half of the book lays out specific steps to take--at the beginning and end of each day, throughout the day, and occasional practices. Each chapter challenged and inspired me.

This book was a crucial one for me--one I know I'll need to read more than once. There are a lot of ways you could spend ten dollars, but I'm confident that spending it on this book will be a powerful way for you to invite God to shape you more into the image of His humble Son.

I just finished reading Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney. Now I hope you recognize immediately the need for humility when practicing evangelism. Often times, those with whom we want to share our faith are proud, self-righteous, and independant--and it would to little good to return pride with pride! God, in the Bible, over and over again reminds us of the need to stay humble and the consequence of such. See the following references for just a few examples: James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Isaiah 66:2, Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 6:16-17, Proverbs 16:18, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:32-45, Mark 10, Philippians 2:6-11,

It should be clear to the reader that no one can be a self-proclaimed expert on this topic. It is clear that shouting "I'm way more humble than you are!" is self-defeating. Mahaney acknowledges this--he admits he is a proud person. It is only the proud person who acknowledges his pride that is qualified to write on humility. It is only due to Mahaney's failures in being humble that he can write about the need to be humble.

Humility: True Greatness is not a probing theological book nor a deeply spiritual text. It is short and sweet, beginning with a few chapters on the necessity of humility and proceeding with several chapters of practical advice on how to live out a God-pleasing life of humility.

One thing that I greatly appreciated was Mahaney's high view in chapter four of the death of Christ. Christ died not merely to demonstrate the ultimate in humility, but for us also to be humbled by dying with him and then being exalted because of him. He ransomed us--sorry, captive to sin, miserable and helpless. However, at this point, it seemed that Mahaney should explicitly explain the doctrine of Christ's substitutionary atonement. For readers not clear, to know this doctrine is crucial--that Christ suffered and died primarily to take the punishment we deserved for our many sins, and to credit to us his righteousness that we could never achieve. He endured in three hours on the cross our eternity in hell, and thus saved us that we might be forgiven and be made right with God. This doctrine is key to Mahaney's point in the first half of the book yet he assumes we know it. Still, Mahaney's resolute passion to write of the cross, the cross, and the cross is needed and appreciated.

The practical chapters (starting in chapter five) almost alternate between general practical pracitices--such as setting aside time to pray in the morning and evening, or to study the attributes of God--and specific, almost quirky ways, like a recommendation to play golf, today's most humbling sport. This light though not comedic approach makes the book a breath of fresh air--I felt like I was getting friendly advice on how to live out the Christian life, rather than hardcore teaching from an authority. I don't think 400 pages of this would be any more edifying than the 120 that has been presented--Mahaney knows when to keep it short

There is a section in Chapter 9 about using appropriate words that I thought were particularly fitting for witnessing. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 gives us a hint to "admonish, encourage, help, and be patient" to certain people (read the verse and learn who). Mahaney directs us better to consider the needs of those we meet, not trying to impress them or convert them, but rather listening sincerely and humbly to determine their need. The purpose of your words should be to give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29). Another direction, especially when witnessing to those who claim to be Christians (and may indeed be) is to never correct another wihtout reminding the person of the gospel--because correction is impossible without Christ as the corrector.

Mahaney also urges us to invite others to correct us and to seek correction. I pray and ask that you hold me accountable for the things on my site.

This book is highly recommended, and it will not take you long to read. Take a few hours over two days and read Humility: True Greatness and you will receive "grace to the humble."

A couple of weeks ago I finished reading C.J. Mahaney's Humility: True Greatness. I've been thinking about reviewing it but I wasn't sure how to share about how this little book addresses the big problem of pride. It is simple and easy-to-read but is addresses well the deep sickness of sin in our hearts and presents God's desire for us to be humble before Him. This book is convicting and encouraging, meditative and practical. Time spent reading this book would be edifying and worthwhile for anyone.

"This is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at My word."
Isaiah 66:2

I agree with C.J's description of this verse-"astonishing." How amazing that God, the Creator of the universe will look upon fallen and sinful people. This verse is also sobering because God does oppose the proud (James 4:6) and they are an abomination to Him (Proverbs 16:5). He writes, "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him." (p. 31) and "Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness." (p. 22). This is why we need to be in the habit of studying and obeying His Word. When we are lowly and humble we can see more clearly how great and deserving He is.

C.J. does a good job in warning his readers to heed conviction of sin and to be sensitive to weak areas where we are prone to pride. My favorite part of this book was where he gave advice on some habits that would beneficial in the quest to winning over pride in our lives. These two really encouraged me to work on them daily in my own battle against pride and striving for humility.

-Begin Your Day Acknowledging Your Need For God.

In this section he wrote about how the sin of pride is active. When we allow ourselves to be undisciplined for just a moment, it can creep in and taint our thoughts. He quotes Martin Lloyd-Jones who wrote, "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?" C.J. reflects on this profound statement:

Most of us spend more time listening to lies than we do speaking the truth to ourselves. And the listening process usually starts as soon as we get up. The alarm has rudely interrupted the gift of sleep, and the listening begins. As we stumble through our morning routine,we're not directing our thoughts in our mind-we're simply at their mercy. We're not in charge of our thinking. We're just there.

But instead, you can declare war on pride by speaking the truth to yourself and set the right tone for your day by mentally affirming your dependence on God and your need for Him.
p. 69-70

-Identifying Evidences of Grace.

C.J. explained why identifying evidence of God's grace in other's lives will help cultivate humility in my own heart-"This means actively looking for ways that God is at work in the lives of other people." He encouraged the reader to become very familiar with the lists of fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, gifts of the Spirit in Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and to then be on the lookout for the Spirit's working in other's lives so that we can become more aware of what God is doing around us and not proudly focus on ourselves.

Throughout the book, C.J. presents a beautiful image of humility as being void of anger or bitterness, being God-centered and a servant to others. He helped me remember that pride can be blind and so I need to be open to hear correction from others, especially in areas where I am possibly blinded by pride in my own heart. This book gave me a whole new perspective on the seriousness of pride and the decay it promotes in my heart and life. I am thankful that by God's grace, He will continue to change me to be lowly and tremble at His Word.

In his endorsement of the book Mark Dever says "If you are struggling with pride you should read this book, if you are not strugglinh with pride, you definitely should read this book." I didn't need much convincing to let me know I was prideful, but as I read "Humility: True Greatness", I began to see how much pride ecompassed every aspect of my life.

C.J. Mahaney's very biblical and practical approach to combatting pride is extremely beneificial and life-changing. There are many ideas expressed in ways that completely hit the mark. To think when we act in pride, when we place our own interests above others, when we fail to trust God and instead rely on our own weak selves we are contending for His supremacy!

Please read this book and let the word of God pierce your heart, reveal your sin, and watch the Spirit change You into His image!

C. J. Mahaney's Humility is a much-needed book for this generation of Christ-followers. I have a confession: Having recently read Andrew Murrary's classic of the same title, I was not expecting much from this book. No offense to Mahaney, for whom I have great respect, but I just couldn't imagine a book impacting me more on this topic than Murray's. To my delight (and conviction), Mahaney delivered a fantastic work that puts flesh on the topic of humility and provides concrete, practical steps to becoming people of humility. Obviously, Mahaney's book will be more accessible for this generation because his language is modern and his examples are fresh and referenced to contemporary culture.

The book begins with a discussion on the battle between pride and humility and then demonstrates how Christ re-defined what it meant to be great. The last part, which comprises the bulk of the book, gives readers practical ideas for increasing their dependence upon Christ and therefore increasing in humility: spiritual disciplines for the morning and evening, Bible study ideas, ways to encourage others, the importance of accountability, etc. There was even a chapter on raising children who understand and strive for the Biblical greatness found in humility.

As I read this book, I underlined a lot, jotted down many notes in the margin, implemented some of the principles, and discovered an idea for my next personal Bible study. I felt the chapter on practices for the end of the day would have been more developed if it included a more in-depth explanation of self-examination disciplines such as the Ignatian examen, and I disagree slightly with some of Mahaney's doctrinal positions, but this is definitely a book worth reading and recommending.

This would make an excellent book for small groups to study.