bigbear73's review
5.0
I think I've recommended this book to every fellow Christian I've talked to in the last couple of months. I'll be re-reading on the regular - definite recommend.
josiahdegraaf's review
4.0
A pretty short, but fairly compelling book on the necessity of humility and how to practice it. Mahaney's argument for how much God hates pride was very helpful, and his chapters on seeking humility within the context of the local church community were absolutely superb. Some chapters were less helpful, such as the one arguing for why you need to start each day meditating on God's Word (not that this is a bad thing to do at all, but just that for some people it's really difficult to be in the Word first thing in the morning without falling asleep), but I found this overall to be a pretty good and helpful book. If anything, it made me reflect more on humility and what it means to be humble. And that meditation has been extremely beneficial for me.
Rating: 4.0 Stars (Very Good).
Addendum: Unfortunately, after the different controversies Mahaney has been in, one involving charges of pride leveled against him (irony, no?), his credibility and ethos for writing this book could be questioned. I have little opinions on him since I haven't followed these controversies very much. And perhaps he does lack the specific ethos for this book; I don't know. But that being said, this book still had a lot of good things to say about what it means to pursue humility. Perhaps Mahaney didn't fully follow his own advice (then again, who can fully pursue humility?), but regardless of his personal character (whether good or bad, I don't know), this is a valuable book to read.
Rating: 4.0 Stars (Very Good).
Addendum: Unfortunately, after the different controversies Mahaney has been in, one involving charges of pride leveled against him (irony, no?), his credibility and ethos for writing this book could be questioned. I have little opinions on him since I haven't followed these controversies very much. And perhaps he does lack the specific ethos for this book; I don't know. But that being said, this book still had a lot of good things to say about what it means to pursue humility. Perhaps Mahaney didn't fully follow his own advice (then again, who can fully pursue humility?), but regardless of his personal character (whether good or bad, I don't know), this is a valuable book to read.
mc_moose's review
5.0
Nov 2020: Read aloud with our 11 year old and it provoked some really good conversations between us
hikersteph's review
2.0
I read this book for a prayer class in college, and it was one of my favorites. It really did help me look for ways to grow in humility. I probably would have given it a five star review.
However, since learning of CJ Mahaney's coverup of child sexual abuse within Sovereign Grace Ministries, and his refusal to admit the enabling of abuse within his church, I cannot possibly consider this man a good teacher of humility. Why has SGM not allowed an independent investigation? It seriously breaks my heart that the person who wrote these insights into humility would be so deeply prideful and unrepentant when it comes to the abuse of children on his watch. CJ needs to reread his own writings, humble himself, and own up to his mistakes.
As an alternative, I'd recommend "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness" by Timothy Keller.
However, since learning of CJ Mahaney's coverup of child sexual abuse within Sovereign Grace Ministries, and his refusal to admit the enabling of abuse within his church, I cannot possibly consider this man a good teacher of humility. Why has SGM not allowed an independent investigation? It seriously breaks my heart that the person who wrote these insights into humility would be so deeply prideful and unrepentant when it comes to the abuse of children on his watch. CJ needs to reread his own writings, humble himself, and own up to his mistakes.
As an alternative, I'd recommend "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness" by Timothy Keller.
lisagray68's review
5.0
Read this a couple years ago after my friend Cathy bought it for me for Christmas. Thought it was time for another go round. C.J. Mahaney says Pride is our worst enemy -- as such, I think it's worth a battle plan every now and then! Great little book.
agrandreflection's review
This book will change how you view your motives for everything you do. In a good way.
lara_lleverino's review
5.0
A new book that I've added to my list of books everyone should read! Right after Searching for God Knows What by Don Miller, this ranks up with some of my favorite Phillip Yancey books!
drewdixon's review
This book was good to read in a time as I sought humility. It is a simple and humble book. Small with short chapters. The most helpful part of the book is the end where Mahaney shared some practical steps to take in order to grow in humility. This book was a catalyst which launched me into a season of learning humility. I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking humility. It is a entrance to a great pool.
natpatreads's review
4.0
Good Ideas Not Extremely Deep
Some of the suggestions are good but the book is fairly basic. Good book to start the study of humility.
Some of the suggestions are good but the book is fairly basic. Good book to start the study of humility.