By way of introduction let me share with you a scenario of events through which God lead me to read this book on humility. Over the last months I have been thoroughly enjoying studying the Word and various books by reputed authors, and Adonai was, I believe, sanctifying me greatly. However, there came a time several weeks ago when my mind was being overwhelmed by so much truthful information and a number of other occasions. I questioned what was wrong since there appeared to be nothing happen out of the ordinary those several weeks ago and quickly realised a huge source of the overload was reading too broadly. Let me explain. While studying various portions of the Bible, or doctrines etc. I then would pick up a book at perceived random such as 'The Life of God in the Soul of Man' by Henry Scrougal and read it while studying the book of Daniel or the life of Abraham for example. While studying the mainly 'historical' early chapters of Daniel or justification in the life of Abraham and his being reckoned as righteous through his belief in God's promise of a 'Seed', I then would go and read an olde English book relating in sections to sanctification. This overload of broad reading came to a head two weeks ago while studying with Rosemary, my brilliant fiancee! We were studying Genesis 21 inductively as is our habit and preferred form of studying the Word and came to verse 22 and following. We both looked at it deeply, discussed it over in our minds and out loud and came to a view as to its meaning, however I couldn't let it go - I tried to search for extra truths and spent ages in quietness with a puzzled and bewildered look on my face - Rosemary at this stage wanted to move on. I had to take a 3/4 day break from studying due to mental exhaustion! There was no holistic structure to my studies and I was the worse for it. I decided in my mind that my reading OUTSIDE of Scriptural study would relate to the book or doctrine that I was trying to feed on IN Scripture. Maybe people reading this already practice such a habit and think I'm an infant for coming to such a practice only now or maybe you don't do this and think I'm typing nonsense. This led me to pick up a one of the many books I had bought while in Minneapolis - 'Humility - True Greatness' by C. J. Mahaney. I was studying Daniel 4 for leading a Bible study and saw a sin of King Nebuchadnezzar's was his pride, which led to the removal of his kingdom and his sovereignty until he would recognise who the Most High God is, and felt a relevant book to further my knowledge of this sin and to help in the fight against putting God second ahead of me would be 'Humility - True Greatness'. Like a number of C.J''s other books this is very practical in its content and quotes extensively from Scripture, much to my pleasure (see comments relating to Sex, Romance and the Glory of God). I would recommend this book to all believers - mature/spiritual infant; male/female; young/old etc. I just want to leave you with the first step on a road to true greatness in humility. C. H. Spurgeon states pride is a groundless thing and a brainless thing and the maddest thing that can exist. C. J. suggests that the first and most prominent step each day in order to help weaken pride and cultivate humility is to reflect on the wonder of the cross of Christ. You remember the request James, John and their mother made to Jesus - the brothers wanted to sit one at His right hand and one at His left hand in glory, however after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection these men were transformed. James, from pride in his heart was transformed by the power of God and became the first apostle martyred. Why the change? What happened between the rather prideful request and the obedience to martyrdom by the sword? Christ died as a ransom for his sins. John was transformed as well - perhaps not martyred but John would have suffered greatly and especially so when banished to Patmos. From the prideful request John is transformed (read I John 3:16)...why? The Saviour died as a ransom for his sins. They and we who believe are redeemed, we have been bought with a price we could not pay. Humble service should remind you of Christ's death, His ransom, the price He paid. I now quote directly from C. J. - "Consider your own life for just a moment. Where would you be today if He hadn't ransomed you, if He hadn't liberated you? I'll tell you where. You would be self-sufficient, seeking to cultivate self-confidence for the purpose of self-glorification. But what happened to you? If you've been genuinely converted, you've been forgiven and transformed. And though for now there remains in you a temptation and tendency to sin, a fundamental and radical change has occured so that you have the desire to serve others and to see God glorified. We know the inner call to lay down our lives for one another because He laid down His life for us. What a powerful death! So make it your aim and lifelong habit, when you see someone who's serving, to be reminded of the sacrifice of the Saviour, for apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Saviour's example-and made possible only by the Saviour's sacrifice."