Be Transformed by Christ’s Example
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” —1 Peter 5:5read full description
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” —1 Peter 5:5
reviews
Apr 16, 2009
Dustin
rated it: 
Humility – Honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness.
This is the first book I read in 2008. My biggest struggles in life stem from my pride; there is no way of getting around it. When I read in the opening paragraph, “Humility is a funny thing. On the one hand, it’s an extremely desirable trait. Most of us, as Christians, would say we want to be humble, right? Or at least WE WANT TO BE THOUGHT OF AS HUMBLE. At the same time, few of us have giv More...
This is the first book I read in 2008. My biggest struggles in life stem from my pride; there is no way of getting around it. When I read in the opening paragraph, “Humility is a funny thing. On the one hand, it’s an extremely desirable trait. Most of us, as Christians, would say we want to be humble, right? Or at least WE WANT TO BE THOUGHT OF AS HUMBLE. At the same time, few of us have giv More...
Jun 16, 2011
Christopher
rated it: 
Here are some notes I took on this book:
Helpful practices for fighting pride and developing humility -
Focus yourself to speak words of needy dependence and trust to God when you wake in the morning.
Begin your morning prayerfully and meditating on God's Word.
Redeem your commute by using it to listen to or memorize Scripture.
Don't listen to yourself throughout the day, preach to yourself.
At the end of the day as you fall aslee More...
Helpful practices for fighting pride and developing humility -
Focus yourself to speak words of needy dependence and trust to God when you wake in the morning.
Begin your morning prayerfully and meditating on God's Word.
Redeem your commute by using it to listen to or memorize Scripture.
Don't listen to yourself throughout the day, preach to yourself.
At the end of the day as you fall aslee More...
Jan 12, 2011
Linda
rated it:
Just discovered how powerful C. J. Mahaney's writing is, particularly because he is so simple, yet so transparent in his weaknesses. Yet again, this small book has impacted me in thinking about what "true greatness" is, which is humility, and servanthood, as defined in Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve.
Pride as defined by Mahaney is contending for supremacy with God and the chief purpose is self glorification and attempting to rob God of all glory and praise, which on More...
Pride as defined by Mahaney is contending for supremacy with God and the chief purpose is self glorification and attempting to rob God of all glory and praise, which on More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jul 25, 2011
John
rated it: 
CJ has once again provided a theologically sound yet practically rich work. This little book, as is typical for Mahaney, left me with several soundbite gems that have already convicted and affected me. He begins by building the case that God pursues and provides grace to the humble (Is 66:2). It is the contrite in spirit that draw the gaze of the sovereign God, thus equipping us to achieve true greatness through servant leadership in the Kingdom. Pride is ultimately a battle for supremacy
More...
Nov 17, 2009
Kevin
rated it:
This book is a great resource that provides biblical and practical instruction and motivation on how to weaken pride and cultivate humility. I highly recommend this book as it is very timely and relevant to our prideful society. This was a much needed read for me, and it will continue to be a favored book in the future!
Here is a list of suggestions from the book on how to weaken pride and cultivate humility.
Always do this:
- Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Chr More...
Here is a list of suggestions from the book on how to weaken pride and cultivate humility.
Always do this:
- Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Chr More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jan 01, 2012
Brian
rated it:
This is truly become one of my favorite books. This is currently the only book I have read on the subject of Humility. I recommend it for all. A few sections are designed for parents but those that are not parents and have a desire to become a parent can start from day one raising your children the way God intended with the parenting tips that C. J. Mahaney gives in these sections. He also gives a few different lists that he recommends everyone follows. I know that no two people are identic
More...
Aug 05, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
I haven't done everything Mahaney recommended in his book, so in that sense I'm not really finished with it. He provides several additional book recommendations, as well as scriptures to learn and meditate on, but that's not really what I'm referring to. What really stood out to me about C.J. Mahaney was the way he was able to say some things to me that I might have dismissed coming from another author. All my life I've had trouble with some of the tenants of Reformed Theology, but when Mahaney
More...
Sep 10, 2009
Nathanael
rated it:
Charles Zimmerman, professor of practical theology at Biblical Seminary (PA), summed up much theological truth with the (quoted) phrase: "God is God. And I am not." I heard this from him a few times, several years ago during a few conferences he keynoted. The phrase, due to its simplicity, stuck with me.
God is God. I am not.
Much of the Christian life happens in realizing the depth and impact of those words. In this short book, Mahaney captures most of that key s More...
God is God. I am not.
Much of the Christian life happens in realizing the depth and impact of those words. In this short book, Mahaney captures most of that key s More...
Jan 05, 2011
Jon
rated it:
This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit.–Isaiah 66:2. So needed. So timely. So beautiful. The humble man is layed out perfectly and plainly. A clear definition of what humility is, what pride is, what pride does, and how to daily cultivate humility. C. J. opens up a gorgeous picture of what true greatness is. He delivers the statement that the Greatest One that walked this earth was humble to show us how to be great. It’s done by death. Sacrifice. Pain. And o
More...
Mar 22, 2011
Al
rated it:
The source or motivation for humility is NOT Jesus example, but his death on the cross.
Mark 10:45 the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many
I made some comments & summary on chapter 5 here: http://wp.me/3zEp
Mark 10:45 the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many
I made some comments & summary on chapter 5 here: http://wp.me/3zEp
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 16, 2009
Angela
rated it:
CJ Mahaney doesn't just talk about the concept/idea of humility, he also provides practical application about how to live out a humble life. Once again, CJ Mahaney ties all his points back to the cross and backs everything up with accurate scriptural insight.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 24, 2011
Joon
rated it:
It's now impossible to read this book without being aware of C.J. Mahaney's current troubles with Sovereign Grace Ministries. After a 600+ page document outed him and his ministry with disturbing practices, he's taken a leave of absence to "re-assess" himself. The main word for his troubles: pride. So it's with a strange retrospect that I went through his seminal work on humility.
The book, it must be said, is a strong work on its subject. But I felt two distinct undercurrents like fissures in h More...
The book, it must be said, is a strong work on its subject. But I felt two distinct undercurrents like fissures in h More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 15, 2009
Mandy
rated it:
I learned so much from this book I am having a hard time putting it all into one or two review paragraphs. This book does a wonderful job of taking you from an intellectual understanding of humility to the practical application of how you can daily grow in humility. C.J. Mahaney walks you through The Battle of Humility Versus Pride, Our Savior and the Secret of True Greatness, and lastly The Practice of True Humility. There was so much in this book that lept of the pages at me! One of the ma
More...
Apr 22, 2011
Josiah
rated it:
you have GOT to read this. i don't care who you are. go get it at the library.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 23, 2011
Barry
rated it:
Mr. Mahaney offers up some nuggets of wisdom from his years of self-conducted research into humility and its benefits. He quite effectively outlines not only the benefits of living humbly before God and man, but also some practical tips for becoming a humble person. He stresses that everyone struggles with pride and that we all have growth potential in the area of humility. Humility is short and easy to read, and is worth going over periodically to refresh oneself on the importance of this diffi
More...
Mar 01, 2011
Luke
rated it:
Devotionally, this book is the type a person would be well served to read once a year. It is tender in its simplicity and challenging in its message. It frames the central component of human accomplishment and earthly greatness as 'power under control' and servanthood. Each of these themes is powerfully portrayed through the words of Jesus in Mark 10 and all through the Gospels. I have some reservations about these ideas unfairly penalizing doers and those who seek to accomplish, but the book is
More...
Jul 09, 2011
Kenneth
rated it:
Mahaney, C.J.: Humility True Greatness (173) (G) This was a good book. A largely practical book, the first little bit goes through what biblical humility is, then proceeds with practical ways to kill pride and cultivate humility. Much of the advice is great for the subject of killing sin, which pride is at the root of most all of our sin. I have not been disappointed by C.J. yet in the 3 or 4 books of his I have read, he consistently takes you back to the gospel and shows how this motivates t
More...
Dec 28, 2011
James
rated it:
Humility is a tricky virtue to catch – as soon as you feel that you’ve got it, you become proud about being humble! Mahaney’s book is an excellent encouragement, help and catalyst.
I know I’m proud (you probably know that you’re proud, too) and I know the Scriptural warnings against pride and admonitions for humility. I could prepare and preach sermons on pride/humility – maybe even (if I set my hand to it) write a book on the subject. I don’t struggle with humility because I lack More...
I know I’m proud (you probably know that you’re proud, too) and I know the Scriptural warnings against pride and admonitions for humility. I could prepare and preach sermons on pride/humility – maybe even (if I set my hand to it) write a book on the subject. I don’t struggle with humility because I lack More...
Jan 25, 2012
Emmanuel
rated it:
In a light and easy-to-read fashion, Mahaney presents a biblical account of humility. His whimsical and comedic style may keep you from realizing the depth of his message at first glance. But it is deep--bringing to the front of your mind tangible examples of pride and of humility. It is convicting to the core and draws you to prayer and confession for the idolatrous living which has gone almost unnoticed in your life. Mahaney is transparent revealing areas of his life that show he has no place
More...
Sep 25, 2011
Brian
rated it:
Humility is perhaps the most lacking of all traits in the society, this book concludes that Christians are not immune from the deadly perils of selfish pride either.
CJ Mahaney points out that humility is really what pleases God, and a quality that most people enjoy in other people as well. Mahaney reckons that his lack of humility is like "fighting for supremacy with God", praying always that God will help him to know his place.
Mahaney speaks of cultivating a More...
CJ Mahaney points out that humility is really what pleases God, and a quality that most people enjoy in other people as well. Mahaney reckons that his lack of humility is like "fighting for supremacy with God", praying always that God will help him to know his place.
Mahaney speaks of cultivating a More...
Jan 28, 2011
Jonathan
rated it:
I enjoyed this book book for a number of reasons. The book did an excellent job of describing day to day actions you can take in your life cultivate humility. It is great that the author takes the time to describe humility, but it is even better that a large chunk of the book is strictly about application. I look forward to re-reading this to get a better and deeper grasp of the things I can do to grow in humility.
Feb 03, 2011
Thom
rated it:
Of all the books I have read in my life, only the bible has impacted me more. CJ Mahaney really opened my eyes and my heart to a view towards pride and humility I had never seen or comprehended. When I read the preface by Joshua Harris, I saw why CJ could be qualified to write such a book. I loved it so much I bought many copies to give away to anyone I thought would read it.
May 27, 2010
Ryan
rated it:
This book is one that could be read quickly but should be meditated on. It is short, with small pages and short chapters, but there is a lot of good material here.
Mahaney begins with a call for humility, showing from Scripture the value God places on this character trait. The last two-thirds (or so) of the book contain Mahaney's list of disciplines and practices that he is cultivating in his life to grow in humility. Each chapter explains several of these practices, and they are b More...
Mahaney begins with a call for humility, showing from Scripture the value God places on this character trait. The last two-thirds (or so) of the book contain Mahaney's list of disciplines and practices that he is cultivating in his life to grow in humility. Each chapter explains several of these practices, and they are b More...
May 23, 2011
Jeff
rated it:
This is one of those books that I must read once a year...a Refreshing insight to what True Humility looks like, backed up by the Word of God. Lord I pray for the continued workings of humility in my life and I lay myself at the foot of the Cross. My friends, that is where the ground is level.... † Humility is a Must Read!
Mar 30, 2008
Darin
rated it:
A joke is told of the proud man who commends to others his book "Humility and How I Attained It". A book on humility brings the immediate, built-in question of whether the author is proud of his book.
No such question arises when reading Mahaney's book because he examines humility from a biblical perspective. A couple quotes:
"Our definition of humility must be biblical and not simply pragmatic...Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's ho More...
No such question arises when reading Mahaney's book because he examines humility from a biblical perspective. A couple quotes:
"Our definition of humility must be biblical and not simply pragmatic...Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's ho More...
Jul 04, 2010
Mark
rated it:
This little book by C.J. Mahaney has challenged and encouraged me in powerful ways this week. It's simple, yet paradigm shifting. It takes great depth and courage to write a book on humility, but I am so thankful for Mahaney's contribution with this book. Take and read!
Mar 29, 2010
Christopher
rated it:
Despite a few weak sections-- I don't like His definition of humility for instance-- and even though he uses the general treacle-ish tone of inspirational bookies, Maheney has still managed to write a nice little book with more than it's fair share of punch. It gets on my mental "I'll be glancing at this book in the future" shelf.
Aug 13, 2011
Bill
rated it:
I know I'm always going about how great this or that book is. But seriously -- this one has made a bigger impact on me than any that I've read for a while. It's a message I needed to hear. Pride is behind every sin. Humility is at the heart of every way we can honour God and avoid sin. But pride comes easily, and humility is hard! Yet, at the end of the day, the very definition of being a Christian is admitting I need Jesus -- which is humility.
May 11, 2008
Steve
rated it:
Mahaney does a great job of dealing with a difficult subject in a clear Biblical way that is reinforced by a clear call and sound advice on how to practically live it out. In this book it is clear that Mahaney is humbly viewing this from God's perspective. Mahaney communicates the clear necessity of living humbly and makes it clear that he is also one who struggles with pride and in his own life has realized the need to be intentional about rooting out pride and striving to live in true humility
More...
Jul 28, 2011
A nice, little book, Mahaney offers some meditations and thoughts on humility, while providing some good, God-centered practical application for our lives. Always, he keeps the killing of pride in his gun-sight, and Jesus as his chief joy.
