When Jesus “made himself nothing…taking the nature of a servant,” He modeled for all believers true humility. Andrew Murray calls this “our true nobility” and “the
distinguishing feature of discipleship.” With insightful, penetrating clarity, Murray calls all Christians to turn from pride, empty themselves, and study the character of Christ to be filled with His grace. Often called the best work on humility ever written.

Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10)Is your walk with God stale? Are the same old things just not working as you seek intimacy and God’s power for you life?In this classic text by faith-great Andrew Murray, you will find refreshment for your spiritual journey and learn that humble dependence on God is the basis of all genuine blessing.For more than a hundred years, Murray’s works have reached the inner depths of the soul to change lives. In Humility, you willLearn to model your life after Jesus’ lifeDiscover the secret of dying to self and living for GodFind joy in serviceInvigorate your prayersAdd power to your witnessingBring your focus back to God and walk in His will as never before!”By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

South African pastor and author Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was an amazingly prolific writer. Murray began writing on the Christian life for his congregation as an extension of his local pastoral work, but he became internationally known for his books, such as Abide in Christ, that searched men’s hearts and brought them into a deep relationship with Christ. Writing with an intensity of purpose and zeal for the message of the Gospel, Murray wrote numerous books even after his “retirement” at age seventy-eight.

 

MY REVIEW

In our fallen state, humility points us to the only way by which we can return to our rightful place as creatures. (p.10)

I have been challenging myself to read a few Christian Classics. I decided to review this true Christian “classic”. If you are unaware of this book, I hope this will raise your interest enough to go to pick up a copy and read it.

“Humility”, by Andrew Murray comes highly recommended and regarded by others I know. For me it is possibly in my top ten favorite Christian books so far. Humility is something that transcends our understanding in many ways and one of the true character marks of someone who follows Jesus. This book helps clear up some misconceptions on what humility is and what it is not as well as how to exercise more of it

One of my favorite quotes from this book is, “There is no pride so dangerous, none so subtle and insidious, as the pride of holiness.” That says a lot right there. I also really liked Murray’s understanding that true humility will be evidenced in our relationships with others and not just our posture toward God. I think for some people they see themselves as humble in their relationship with God but it is not evidenced in their relationships with others. It is easy to think that we humble ourselves before God, but our humility toward others is the only sufficient proof that our humility before God is real.

Near the end is a great sample prayer to pray to God for more humility, but I’ll let you see that one for yourself after you buy your own must-have copy of this book. I very highly recommend this book for every single Christian. This is a real 5-star book.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

When I look back upon my own Christian experience, or at the church of Christ as a whole, I am amazed at how little humility is seen as the distinguishing feature of discipleship.

Humility, the place of entire dependence upon God, is from the very nature of things the first duty and the highest virtue of His creatures. And so pride— the loss of humility— is the root of every sin and evil.
Humility is the only soil in which virtue takes root; a lack of humility is the explanation of every defect and failure. Humility is not so much a virtue along with the others, but is the root of all, because it alone takes the right attitude before God and allows Him, as God, to do all.
Let us consider how our lack of love, indifference to the needs and feelings of others, even sharp comments and hasty judgments that are often excused as being honest and straightforward, are thwarting the effect of the influence of the Holy Spirit on others.
Manifestations of temper and touchiness and irritation, feelings of bitterness and estrangement, have their root in nothing but pride.
This is the true self-denial to which our Savior calls us, the acknowledgment that self has nothing good in it, except as an empty vessel for God to fill.
It is easy to think that we humble ourselves before God, but our humility toward others is the only sufficient proof that our humility before God is real.
A lesson of deepest importance is that the only humility that is really ours is not the kind we try to show before God in prayer, but the kind we carry with us, and carry out, in our ordinary conduct.
True humility comes when before God we see ourselves as nothing, have put aside self, and let God be all.
The great test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be whether it is manifest in the increasing humility it produces.
The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is its lack of humility.

Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness