Thoughts on Pride & Humility, from CJ Mahaney

If you were to look at my bookshelves, you would see few names appear as frequently as John Piper’s.  But, another name, C.J. Mahaney, is quickly catching up!  Last night, Jason and I went to the Shepherd’s Conference, at Grace Community Church to hear John Piper speak.  However, when we arrived, I was very disappointed to find out that John Piper would not be speaking after all.  We were informed by another attendee that, John Piper’s father had passed away (on March 6th), and he was in South Carolina with his family, preparing for the funeral.  (Let me encourage you to take some time to read John Piper’s journal entry about his father’s death by clicking here, or on the link at the right.) 

My disappointment about the change in speakers was short-lived when we heard that C.J. Mahaney would be speaking instead.  He spent the evening speaking on the topic of humility, from Isaiah 66:1-2.

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?  All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:  he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.  ~Isaiah 66:1-2 (ESV)

While there were a few points directed specifically at the pastors in attendance, pride and humility are topics that are applicable to everyone – not just pastors and seminary students!

I thought that, as I review my notes over the next few days, it might be “fun” to share some of the great quotes and insights from the evening session.  I am only going to post a few thoughts at a time, because, getting it all at once was something like taking a drink from the proverbial fire hose!

I hope you enjoy, and benefit from these wise words from a very godly (and humble!) man…

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Pride was the first sin…it is the essence of all sin…and there appears to be no sin that God hates more than pride.

Question:  Why does God hate pride so passionately?
Answer: Pride lifts up the heart against God, contending with Him for supremacy.

We are all generally more perceptive of pride in others than in ourselves.  It is not about whether pride exists in your heart, but where. 

Nothing escapes His (God’s) notice, but one thing, humility, captures his gaze.

It is possible to admire humility while remaining proud.