Book #2

Book Title: "Humility: True Greatness"

Author: C.J. Mahaney

Pages: 174

In keeping with my C.J. Mahaney fix I plunged into his second book on the topic of 'humility'.  You can tell that any man who would attempt to write a book on this subject is either seriously mental or on a very incredible journey.  I'm glad C.J. is of the latter and this book is a great insight into the heart and mind of a man who is not claiming to be a great example of humility yet is striving to reshape our thoughts on what this subject is all about.

Mahaney starts off by pointing to a plethora of scriptures revealing the heart of God in that He desires those people who are humble in heart and will humble themselves before Him.  C.J. then speaks about the opposite of humility which of course is pride and how the two have no standing together in any place.  The main idea of this book is that "pride is the greatest enemy and humility the greatest friend."

A good definition of pride: "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him.  Pride takes innumerable forms but has only one end: self-glorification.  That's the motive and ultimate purpose of pride - to rob God of legitimate glory and to pursue self-glorification, contending for supremacy with Him."  

I also liked how C.J. pointed out on pg. 43 that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire or ambition to be great.  Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition, redefines it, and purifies it: "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all (Mark 10:43-44).  

Mahaney continues to point to the cross of Christ to keep us humble reminding us that we perform no greater sacrifice than the one who has humblest Himself to the lowest form and now is greater than all because of it, Jesus Christ.  The best we can do is follow in this example which should keep us humble in our pursuit of greatness which is to serve all.  C.J. continues to tell the reader how to make this happen both daily, weekly and throughout the different seasons that life may bring.  

Overall, another great gem by an author who spills his passion for Christ over every page of his work.  On to the next book Mr. Mahaney!

2009 Reading Goal

I am not one to get fanatical with new year resolutions but I do think the end of one year and the beginning of another is a good time to review your past body of work and make goals for the next season of life that you are coming into.  I happen to be ultra-competitive and if I can make my goals in a competitive nature I usually have a much higher completion rate.  Therefore, in 2009 I gave myself the daunting goal of reading 100 books by the end of the year.  A few courageous friends have fueled the competitive fires by both joining me in seeing who can read the most books by year's end as well as by telling me that reading 100 books in a year is near impossible.  

So far, I am two books down so as part of my accountability I will write a short book review upon completion of each book read this year.  Here is the book #1:

Book Title: "The Cross Centered Life"

Author: C.J. Mahaney

Pages: 89

I find that it is always good to take baby steps when beginning new projects so I have decided to start my "Journey to 100 books in 09" by reading a short one.  Actually, I've always wanted to read C.J. Mahaney's books and since this is his first one it naturally should be read before the others.  Overall thoughts are that this book is a very good quick read that can serve as a great reminder for all Christian believers to re-focus on the main thing, that being the centrality of the cross in our lives and actions.  C.J. states, "The cross was the centerpiece of Paul's (apostle) theology.  It wasn't merely one of Paul's messages; it was the message."  This book serves as really a restatement of the obvious.  That without the cross this is all for not.  The cross is our cornerstone.  I also enjoy how this book touches on the work of the cross in our justification and sanctification.  It does a good job of explaining what both are very quickly yet for any one to understand.  In summary, "justification is an act.   It is not a work, or a series of acts.  It is not progressive.  The weakest believer and the strongest saint are alike equally justified.  Justification admits no degrees.  A man is either wholly justified or wholly condemned in the sight of God.  Sanctification is a process.  You will be more sanctified as you continue in grace-motivated obedience."  He also gives some great insight into how we should keep the cross as the center of our lives.  

Overall, a great first book, not only for me as my first book of the year but also from a great author.  Looking forward to more of Mahaney's books.