C. Peter Wagner: Humility
C. Peter Wagner, Humility (Regal Books, 2002), 130 pages.
Peter Wagner has written a short and easy-to-read book on the subject of humility. The book has eight short chapters, each of which is followed by a series of questions and some blanks for the reader to express her thoughts to herself. This format would be useful as a personal devotional or in a group study setting.
Peter starts his book by noting that he could find little written on this subject and the scripture that says “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Mat 23:12 (NIV). Indeed Peter ended up with a very short bibliography which essentially consists of just one book written by Andrew Murray more than 100 years ago.
Peter takes a look at his subject from a variety of perspectives. Then he proceeds to discuss the subject in his eight chapters by covering the value of humility, its two dimensions, the definition of humility, and your need to choose the course you will take. He outlines five signposts on the way to pride and ten signposts on the way to humility. He concludes with a discussion on the stable foundation humility provides, even when we face adversity. He closes by encouraging us to live as scripture urges: be humble before God.
C. Peter Wagner
Peter believes that we are all challenged daily to be humble. I found his thoughts provoking and worth looking at, particularly since he uses himself as the person who may or may not have victory in the area under discussion. My daily efforts at being humble are far less difficult than those that face Peter since no one has heard of me nor do I have any position or reputation to defend. Indeed I am constantly interfacing with people and situations that keep my feet on the ground, and my head and heart guarded. It is hard to hold you head high when by doing so it becomes a better target.
Nonetheless I would like the Lord to exalt me and at the same time to increase my spiritual effectiveness and my income. I imagine that desire applies to most of you reading this review.
Peter’s 61st book is easy to read, it will challenge you to examine yourself and to examine Peter Wagner and his idea of his humility, which I found fascinating. I will not comment on what I think of Peter’s success or lack thereof at being humble beyond noting that he is exalted far beyond most of us.
Reviewed by H. Murray Hohns
Preview Humility: http://books.google.com/books/about/Humility.html?id=TLM_R0wvHFIC
Category: Fall 2004, Living the Faith
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