Customer Reviews

The Power of Humility: Living like Jesus

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By the end of the first paragraph of chapter one, R. T. Kendall had captured my full attention. I was already asking myself, "If I am a spirit filled Christian, how can I justify my subtle attitude of self righteousness and arrogance." "The Power of Humility: Living Free Like Jesus" is designed and destined to change lives. It is my prayer that my life might be one of them... because I want to emulate Jesus.

Kendall points out the danger of crossing over the line from dignity to arrogance. He draws from Biblical examples to illustrate the results of arrogance. The lives of Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Uzziah, Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, Belteshazzar, and Herod Agrippa all suffered the results of their arrogance. Kendall goes on to help the reader recognize how pride and self righteousness entered into the world through the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

I found the scriptural references and quotes from recognized leaders and personalities at the beginning of each chapter challenging, reflective, and profound. Many of them address a word of warning concerning humility, including: Self righteousness, self pity, hypocrisy, boasting, and judgment.

Today we may personally be confronting pride in the context of social, racial, financial, physical, or spiritual realms. These all hinder our relationship with God.

"The Power of Humility: Living Free Like Jesus" is an eye opening reminder to look within, to remember the source of our strength, to rely on the Lord for His blessing, while at the same time accepting and acknowledging his touch on our lives. This will allow the gifts and talents He has imparted to us to be used to bring honor to the Name of Jesus.

I just finished the book. R. T. Kendall has a way of teaching that you can easily understand and apply to your life. You don't see many books on the topic of humility but this one is a very good one! I highly recommend it. Humility is not a trait we often celebrate but it is definitely one we could use more of. R. T. Kendall does a great job in the book of defining false humility as well. He has a way of gently showing us areas we need to grow and mature in by sharing his own struggles and failures. This book will bless your life!!!

The Power of Humility by R.T. Kendall is a powerful indictment of the popular Christian sin of pride. Kendall, long the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, England, brings his many years in the pulpit and the Lord's service to this study of how pride affects our faith and hampers our lives. He uses several biblical examples to demonstrate how God punishes those who rely on themselves instead of Him. Kendall even speaks honestly about his own battle with personal pride as well as stories he's witnessed personally. Pride may be the worst sin that keeps us from God, because even Christians can be very guilty of it, often masquerading as false humility. Here's a few of my favorite quotes from the book: You can talk about your failures and disappointments to almost anybody; you can only discuss your successes with a true friend. Pride makes us judge. It is pride that seeks to vindicate ourselves. The apostle Paul had made a huge step forward in this area: he refufsed to clear his name and simply chose to wait for the day God chooses to do it. You will not die by swallowing your pride. This is not always an easy book to read, as readers will often squirm with personal conviction, but it's a vital book to read for deeper faith.

Dr. Kendall admits he has not completely overcome pride, that it is a constant spiritual struggle. Such candor enhances his credibility. In several places he gives examples of where he has fallen short of living a humble life. His authenticity comes through so powerfully that we can all relate to this ongoing internal contention.

In his conclusion he cites John Stott, whom he considers to be "one of the meekest, humblest men on the planet." Stott told Kendall, "if you really knew me, you would spit in my face" (p, 215). Thus, affirming again that no one is exempt from this struggle.

One recurring issue is talking too much. Name-dropping is a hidden form of pride being released. When we bring up things in a conversation to make us look good in the eyes of others, it is a manifestation of pride. Motive is at the heart of these disclosures. Dr. Kendall talks about spiritual leaders who are caught up in this dilemma.

Toward the end of the book he spends a substantial amount of time explaining how this relates to the Judgment Seat of Christ where our motives will be evaluated. The intents of the heart will be exposed. People who were "fishing for compliments on earth" will be embarrassed, in contrast with individuals who did their work unto God alone. We each have the option of receiving our reward on the earth or on that day.

A wonderful book. It truly makes you take a look at your inner life. If you truly want God to move in your life, this is a great book. It helps you face some truths about yourself and how we can all rise higher to be more like Jesus. Well worth reading and applying to your personal life.