Humility: True Greatness By C.J. Mahaney

 My Reflection on 

Humility

True Greatness 

By C.J. Mahaney

In Humility: True Greatness, C.J. Mahaney shares how true greatness in the sight of God comes through humility, not pride. He explains that while pride is sneaky and shows up in many ways, it always leads us to seek our own glory. In contrast, the Bible redefines greatness as serving others, just as Jesus did when He gave His life on the cross. Through His sacrifice, we can experience and live out this kind of true greatness. Mahaney also offers simple, practical steps to help us recognize pride and grow in humility every day.

 

1. How did the author engage with or challenge my thinking?

In the book, C.J. Mahaney really challenged my thinking by showing the promise of humility in a powerful way. He explains that when we humble ourselves, we actually draw God's attention. Drawing His attention means we are also attracting His Grace. That means God gives us His undeserved help and strength when we humble ourselves before Him. There is something I can do that draws more of God’s active support in my life. As C.J. points out, using 2 Chronicles 16:9, God is constantly looking for humble hearts to strongly support.

Additionally, one of the most surprising and refreshing perspectives I gained from this book was how even sleep can be a way to fight pride. I had never thought of sleep as anything more than a basic human need, but the author helped me see it differently. He writes, “Seize this opportunity to mortify pride and cultivate humility by setting apart sleep as a holy gift from God….” This shifted my mindset. Sleep is a daily reminder that I am not self-sufficient, I need rest, and I depend on God to sustain me. Embracing sleep as a gift from God humbles me. I now see sleep as a quiet yet powerful act of worship and dependence.

2. How did the content reinforce your existing thoughts?

C.J. Mahaney’s definition of humility really deepened my understanding and confirmed what I have already believed. He says, “Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness,” and that has convinced me even more that I need to regularly evaluate my life with that perspective. It reminded me that true humility is not about putting myself down, but it is about seeing myself clearly in the light of who God is and who I am without Him. This encouraged me to keep pursuing humility with a more honest and God-centered mindset.

3. What were the most powerful learning moments—and why were they so?

One of the most impactful moments for me in the book was when C.J. Mahaney used humor to draw the reader in, talking about how he hates things like meatloaf and cottage cheese. And then suddenly shifted to serious issues like abortion, child abuse, and racism. I found myself agreeing with him and thinking, "Yes, amen!" But then he brought it to a powerful climax by saying, “You and I hate nothing to the degree that God hates pride. His hatred for pride is pure, and His hatred is holy.” That line struck me deeply. It helped me see just how serious and offensive pride is to God. This was the moment that taught me the most, and I truly admired how the author used storytelling and contrast to open my eyes to the ugliness of pride. It was absolutely brilliant and unforgettable.

 

4. What are some questions you wish the author had addressed?

While I appreciated the practical guidelines the author gave for fighting pride and growing in humility, like studying God's attributes, the doctrines of grace and sin, and even lighthearted suggestions like playing golf and laughing at yourself. I found myself wishing he had included something more. Personally, I believe that studying ecclesiology, especially a Christ-centered view of the church, is deeply humbling. It reminds me that I am part of the Body of Christ and that I, as a part of the Body cannot act independently. Therefore, this shifts the focus from individualism to Christ and His body. I would have loved to see the author highlight this as another rich way to cultivate humility.

5. How has the author increased your interest in this topic?

In the section “Greatness Demonstrated,” C.J. Mahaney writes, “So make it your aim and lifelong habit, when you see someone who’s serving, to be reminded of the sacrifice of the Savior, for apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior’s example—and made possible only by the Savior’s sacrifice.” I now see humility not just as an important virtue but as essential, because it not only attracts God’s grace but also reflects the life and example of Christ. In this way, the author increased my interest in the topic of humility by showing how central it is to the Christian life.

And under the section Responding Humbly to Trials, the author shares a powerful story about his sister Sharon that deeply touched me. When her husband, Dave, was battling cancer, a relative asked her, “Why aren’t you angry?” Her response was stunning in its clarity and humility: “Dave deserved hell for his sins, just like you and me, and yet God, in His mercy, forgave him because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Dave is going to heaven. How could I be angry at God for taking him to heaven?” This testimony deeply challenged me and increased my desire to view suffering through the lens of the gospel. It reminded me that even in trials, we can respond with humble gratitude when we truly grasp the mercy of God.

6. Would you recommend this book to anyone, who and why?

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to my close circle of friends (those I know well and who, like me, are daily battling pride in different forms). I believe this book will not only challenge us individually but also help us grow together in humility as we walk with Christ. In fact, I have already recommended it to my pastor friend, Khangthuiba Kamei, who is serving in Delhi. I believe the message of this book is much needed in our time.

 

After reading Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney, I have a deep and lasting appreciation for the beauty and necessity of humility in the Christian life. It is something essential to truly follow Christ, attract God’s grace, and reflect His character. I have been convicted, challenged, and encouraged to examine my own heart more honestly, especially in areas where pride subtly hides. Whether through understanding sleep as dependence on God, viewing suffering through the lens of the gospel, or recognizing greatness in humble service, this book has reshaped my thinking. It left me not only with a greater awareness of pride but also with a renewed desire to pursue humility daily with the help and example of Jesus Christ.