“Pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.”
John Stott
Humility is a funny topic. The moment one picks up the topic is the moment the critics will begin to cry foul. However, humility is a topic that must be addressed regularly for the Christian. The Bible’s consistent teaching that the lowly in heart are great in the kingdom of God and those that are proud will be brought low are too important to ignore or fret over the “hypocrite” labels.
C.J. Mahaney writes a small book that rises to the challenge of being brief but profound. While some of his personal stories seem flimsy, the practical tips and suggestions for growing in humility and killing pride are worth the price of the book and the time to read it. He masterfully shows that humility is not something to be avoided but the genuine path to greatness in God’s eyes.
The best part of the book are his steps to kill pride and foster humility (the end of the book has a simple list while the book fleshes out some stories and steps for applying them in daily life). Christians will agree that pride is bad, and we need more humility in our hearts and lives but getting there is difficult. Mahaney does not sugar coat the fact that the battle against pride will be life-long and demanding. But while the fight is intense to grow in humility the rewards of grace from God make the pursuit worth every moment and each discipline we implement in this battle.
One area that lacks in the book are his suggestions for how the community of the church can help in the fostering of humility. In other words, humility does grow in the prayer closet and the personal book studies but is implemented and shown in relationships with our family, friends, co-workers, and church community. Despite this oversight the personal applications are practical and helpful to grow in humility.
Any church that desires to see their high schoolers, singles, or seasoned married couples fight well against pride and see the importance of humility would do well to read, study, and implement the ideas presented in this book.
Review by Caleb Nedimyer
Cross Hope 