True Greatness

Now that I'm getting further into the semester and the work is starting to pile up (if I stop and think about the papers for to long the panic attacks start to set in) the posts are getting shorter and farther between. But even in the business of classes, papers, work, and other activities, I have to make time for some reading of my own. The most recent of these "distractions" has been C.J. Mahaney's most recent book, Humility: True Greatness. I know that I have expressed my immense admiration for Mahaney as well as his church planting group, Sovereign Grace Ministries, but after having the privilege of reading more from his pen, I can't help but acknowledge once more the amazing work that is being done through this man and his ministry. Theirs seems to be the model for which all of us Reformed Charismatics are reaching for.

In this latest book, Mahaney undertakes a discussion of what I would image would be one of the most difficult topics to write or teach on, and he does in the same way that is characteristic of all his material - in light of the cross of Christ. He starts off with an introduction that covers the topics of the Biblical promises to those who are humble and the pervasiveness of the sin of pride in the lives of all, believers and unbelievers. In the second part of the book, Mahaney discusses how we naturally conceive of greatness and how that definition has been turned upside down because of the fact that Christ, God in the flesh, has revealed His might and power by allowing His enemies to crucify Him on a cross. The remainder of the book is made up of practical ways that we can cultivate humility in our own lives. The great achievement of this portion of the book is that is that Mahaney's suggestions never lapse into legalism, but rather, deal with the whole issue in terms of how we can gratefully respond to the work of Christ. C.J. gets practical, but he never separates our practice from the perfect practice of Christ.

Mahaney offers a list of daily practices as well as more specialized veins of study and service that help to show us "how to weaken pride and cultivate humility." They are well worth taking note of putting into action:

Always:
1. Survey the wonder of the cross of Christ

As each day begins:
2. Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon God and your need for God.
3. Begin your day by expressing gratefulness to God.
4. Practice the spiritual disciplines - prayer, study of God's Word, worship. Do this consistently each day and at the day's outset, if possible.
5. Seize your commute time to memorize and meditate on Scripture.
6. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

As each day ends:
7. At the end of the day, transfer the glory to God.
8. Before going to sleep, receive this gift of sleep from God and acknowledge his purpose for sleep (a reminder of our dependence on Him).

For special focus:
9. Study the attributes of God.
10. Study the doctrines of grace.
11. Study the doctrine of sin.
12. Play golf as much as possible.
13. Laugh often, and laugh often at yourself.

Throughout your days and weeks:
14. Identify evidences of grace in others.
15. Encourage and serve others each and every day.
16. Invite and pursue correction.
17. Respond humbly to trials.