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Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God
How do I humble myself?
Humility, according to the Bible, is not something we can just up and do. Both the negative and positive examples of Scripture—from Pharaoh to Rehoboam, from Josiah to Ahab, from Hezekiah to Manasseh, and even to Christ himself—teach us that humility first comes from the hand of God. He initiates the humbling of his creatures. And once he has, the question confronts Will you receive it? Will you humble yourself in response to his humbling hand, or will you kick against him?
This concise, accessible study of Scripture’s humble-self language uncovers two surprising lessons about the pursuit of humility in the Christian—both what we cannot do and also what steps we can take.
Humility, according to the Bible, is not something we can just up and do. Both the negative and positive examples of Scripture—from Pharaoh to Rehoboam, from Josiah to Ahab, from Hezekiah to Manasseh, and even to Christ himself—teach us that humility first comes from the hand of God. He initiates the humbling of his creatures. And once he has, the question confronts Will you receive it? Will you humble yourself in response to his humbling hand, or will you kick against him?
This concise, accessible study of Scripture’s humble-self language uncovers two surprising lessons about the pursuit of humility in the Christian—both what we cannot do and also what steps we can take.
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2021
31 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
David Mathis
42 books58 followersDavid Mathis (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando) is executive editor at desiringGod.org and an elder at Bethlehem Baptist Church in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. His seminary experience includes Reformed Theological Seminary and Bethlehem College & Seminary, where he now serves as adjunct professor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 27, 2025
IMO, this one is like Keller’s “The Freedom of Self-forgetfulness” BUT BETTER. It is written as a short study through the Scriptures on Humility.
Some takeaways:
- you can’t “achieve” humility, it is a work of God in our hearts, and just like faith, He initiates it.
- you can prepare your heart to receive God’s work of humbling us by being in His Word.
- you are not that special… you are special as in the Bride of Christ special… but not in comparison of people who are part of the bride of Christ.
- fasting and humbling are a great combo
- be secure enough in Christ that you don’t feel the need to be validated by others.
- Christ is there in our most humbling and embarrassing moments, and if we are in Him, we will be with Him in His exaltation.
This book was convicting and a potential yearly read. Glad I picked it up.
Some takeaways:
- you can’t “achieve” humility, it is a work of God in our hearts, and just like faith, He initiates it.
- you can prepare your heart to receive God’s work of humbling us by being in His Word.
- you are not that special… you are special as in the Bride of Christ special… but not in comparison of people who are part of the bride of Christ.
- fasting and humbling are a great combo
- be secure enough in Christ that you don’t feel the need to be validated by others.
- Christ is there in our most humbling and embarrassing moments, and if we are in Him, we will be with Him in His exaltation.
This book was convicting and a potential yearly read. Glad I picked it up.
September 11, 2021
{First posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/we...}
I started using a new app that stores quotes I’ve highlighted in my kindle books. Each day I'm sent a highlight reel to look at and review. As these words are randomly shuffled and appear in my inbox, it’s been interesting to see how many different quotes I’ve taken note of which relate to the topic of humility.
If I look back further in my life, the scripture passage at our wedding was Philippians 2 and the humility of Christ. There’s a sinful tendency of pride in my life. Like a leech stuck to my toe at the beach, I need to pull it off-the sin that so easily entangles.
Scripture contrasts pride with humility, “those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Dan 4:37) and “he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). For those who struggle with pride-and I’d venture to say we’ve all been there a time or two-learning about humility is important.
Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God by David Mathis is a great place to start. It’s a short book, 128 pages, providing a ton of great truth for us to marinate in. He reminds us that humility is not “preoccupied with oneself and one’s own lowliness, but first mindful and conscious of God and his highness,”that it’s not, “self-help or a life hack, but a response to divine initiative and help.”
He explores the lives of three Old Testament kings, gleaning insight about their responses to circumstances, which we can apply when our own humbling moments arrive. See, “the invitation to humble ourselves does not come to us in a vacuum but through our first being humbled.”
One of the ways we’ve seen this invitation is, perhaps surprisingly, “conflict among those claiming the name of Christ humbles the church. It serves as a test of pride and humility.”
Conflict in the church anyone?
I think it's one reason why this book is so relevant for us today.
The question then becomes, how we will respond to the humbling hand of God as we engage with our brothers and sisters in Christ, in the midst of conflict and challenging circumstances.
While we can’t cause sanctification happen on our own, God’s initiative and ongoing grace in our lives leads us to patterns and habits which prepare us to respond with humility when the opportunity comes. Through his means of grace-reading the Word, prayer, fellowship and fasting-we are positioning ourselves for God to complete the work he has already begun in us.
Finally, he points us to the model for humility-our Saviour. The son of God, enthroned with the Father, sent to us to be beaten, humiliated and killed for our sake. He made himself nothing, accepting the cup the Father had given him, to perfect obedience.
As lonely and weary as we may feel during our times of humbling, we are not alone, he is with us. It’s in this uncomfortable work we practice trust and dependence on him, we learn to show grace and love, we embed truths of the Word deep within us to remember who our God is, that we would fix our eyes on him
“God indeed does command our humility. His hand and plan conspire to humble us, whether through pandemics of the consequences of personal sin.”
This is a book for all believers; to embrace a posture of humility and adopt habits in our lives which prepare us for the moments God’s humbling hand arrives, which will be through circumstances, conflict and consequences of sin. Preorder it today!
Quick Stats
# of pages:128
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars!!
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!
I started using a new app that stores quotes I’ve highlighted in my kindle books. Each day I'm sent a highlight reel to look at and review. As these words are randomly shuffled and appear in my inbox, it’s been interesting to see how many different quotes I’ve taken note of which relate to the topic of humility.
If I look back further in my life, the scripture passage at our wedding was Philippians 2 and the humility of Christ. There’s a sinful tendency of pride in my life. Like a leech stuck to my toe at the beach, I need to pull it off-the sin that so easily entangles.
Scripture contrasts pride with humility, “those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Dan 4:37) and “he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). For those who struggle with pride-and I’d venture to say we’ve all been there a time or two-learning about humility is important.
Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God by David Mathis is a great place to start. It’s a short book, 128 pages, providing a ton of great truth for us to marinate in. He reminds us that humility is not “preoccupied with oneself and one’s own lowliness, but first mindful and conscious of God and his highness,”that it’s not, “self-help or a life hack, but a response to divine initiative and help.”
He explores the lives of three Old Testament kings, gleaning insight about their responses to circumstances, which we can apply when our own humbling moments arrive. See, “the invitation to humble ourselves does not come to us in a vacuum but through our first being humbled.”
One of the ways we’ve seen this invitation is, perhaps surprisingly, “conflict among those claiming the name of Christ humbles the church. It serves as a test of pride and humility.”
Conflict in the church anyone?
I think it's one reason why this book is so relevant for us today.
The question then becomes, how we will respond to the humbling hand of God as we engage with our brothers and sisters in Christ, in the midst of conflict and challenging circumstances.
While we can’t cause sanctification happen on our own, God’s initiative and ongoing grace in our lives leads us to patterns and habits which prepare us to respond with humility when the opportunity comes. Through his means of grace-reading the Word, prayer, fellowship and fasting-we are positioning ourselves for God to complete the work he has already begun in us.
Finally, he points us to the model for humility-our Saviour. The son of God, enthroned with the Father, sent to us to be beaten, humiliated and killed for our sake. He made himself nothing, accepting the cup the Father had given him, to perfect obedience.
As lonely and weary as we may feel during our times of humbling, we are not alone, he is with us. It’s in this uncomfortable work we practice trust and dependence on him, we learn to show grace and love, we embed truths of the Word deep within us to remember who our God is, that we would fix our eyes on him
“God indeed does command our humility. His hand and plan conspire to humble us, whether through pandemics of the consequences of personal sin.”
This is a book for all believers; to embrace a posture of humility and adopt habits in our lives which prepare us for the moments God’s humbling hand arrives, which will be through circumstances, conflict and consequences of sin. Preorder it today!
Quick Stats
# of pages:128
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars!!
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!
Read
October 9, 2021When I was a young Christian, a respected friend once challenged me with the fact that self-aggrandizing and self-pity are but two sides of the same coin. This little book expounds on that by unpacking what humility really means, and how the pursuit of it, Mathis stresses repeatedly, is "not something we can just up and do". Humility begins with God's initiative, not ours. He offers both positive and negative examples from scripture, the ones from 2 Chronicles were memorable for me. For someone who has a long way to go in my fraught journey toward humility, I'm glad I picked this up.
June 16, 2025
I am extremely humble after reading this book, perhaps the most humble person in the world… just kidding! Good read here. Mathis effectively illustrates humility through Old Testament narratives. It didn’t completely rock my world, but great treatment on humility.
Definitely worth the read, especially considering how short it is.
Definitely worth the read, especially considering how short it is.
March 14, 2023
One of the main points Mathis emphasizes in this short book is that we cannot simply *choose* to humble ourselves - humility is a response to the Lord's uncomfortable work in our lives. When we go through rough patches, we can either respond with a hardened heart, or we can let the circumstances shape us to become more Christlike, more humble. Mathis writes of how hearing the Word, praying, fasting, fellowship, and fasting play into this process of being humbled. And lastly, he turns our eyes to Christ, the ultimate example of humility, who "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, ... and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:7-8).
Although I personally didn't have many "wow" moments when reading this, it was a helpful reminder of the importance of humility in the life of a believer.
Although I personally didn't have many "wow" moments when reading this, it was a helpful reminder of the importance of humility in the life of a believer.
July 27, 2025
What an awesome little book! I will definitely be revisiting this.
February 6, 2024
I didn't quite follow his main premise that we cannot humble ourselves. The scriptures he used to back this up weren't convincing to me. However, the rest of the book was a little overview of ways to nurture humility in our lives. We all could benefit from being a little more humble.
November 24, 2021
David Mathis's "Humbled" is exactly what one would expect and hope for: a clear consideration of what scripture has to say about God's call for us to be humble. Mathis tells us that "True self-humbling is not our initiative, but it does require our doing as we learn to welcome the uncomfortable work of God."
What is humility? Mathis defines the heart of humility as acknowledging and obeying "the one who is truly God." Mathis walks through stories of biblical characters who resisted humility and those who accepted it and God's curses on the former and blessings on the latter.
We grow in humility by listening and praying. Mathis says, "Prayer is a sacred act for humbled humans. In prayer, we turn from being disillusioned with our own resources and strengths." Fasting is a practical way to place ourselves in position to grow in humility. As we go without and depend on God, our hearts will grow in humility. Humility leans into community and away from our individualistic impulses.
Looking to Christ, Mathis points out that Christ humbled himself "by becoming obedient." Obedience and humility go hand in hand.
Mathis urges for us to sell ourselves short. He says, "From the beginning, from humanity's very first sin, we have been overestimating ourselves." One might think this denigrates who we are, but the opposite is true. "The humility of Christ shows us that true humility is not the denigrating of humanity, but God's image shining in its fullness... To humble ourselves is to come ever closer, step by step, one degree at a time, to the bliss and full flourishing for which we were made."
We are promised that if we humble ourselves, Christ will lift us up. Humility draws God's favor. In humility we draw near to the heart of God and reflect the character of Christ. May it be so with me and with Christ's church more every day.
Mathis's "Humbled" is a direct, simple, and important book for any Christian. It is scripture-saturated and clear. I do wish that Mathis would have shared a few more stories throughout the book that would have illustrated the principles that he shares.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
What is humility? Mathis defines the heart of humility as acknowledging and obeying "the one who is truly God." Mathis walks through stories of biblical characters who resisted humility and those who accepted it and God's curses on the former and blessings on the latter.
We grow in humility by listening and praying. Mathis says, "Prayer is a sacred act for humbled humans. In prayer, we turn from being disillusioned with our own resources and strengths." Fasting is a practical way to place ourselves in position to grow in humility. As we go without and depend on God, our hearts will grow in humility. Humility leans into community and away from our individualistic impulses.
Looking to Christ, Mathis points out that Christ humbled himself "by becoming obedient." Obedience and humility go hand in hand.
Mathis urges for us to sell ourselves short. He says, "From the beginning, from humanity's very first sin, we have been overestimating ourselves." One might think this denigrates who we are, but the opposite is true. "The humility of Christ shows us that true humility is not the denigrating of humanity, but God's image shining in its fullness... To humble ourselves is to come ever closer, step by step, one degree at a time, to the bliss and full flourishing for which we were made."
We are promised that if we humble ourselves, Christ will lift us up. Humility draws God's favor. In humility we draw near to the heart of God and reflect the character of Christ. May it be so with me and with Christ's church more every day.
Mathis's "Humbled" is a direct, simple, and important book for any Christian. It is scripture-saturated and clear. I do wish that Mathis would have shared a few more stories throughout the book that would have illustrated the principles that he shares.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
October 1, 2022
Unpopular opinion: I didn't really like this book. I was hoping for something more deep and raw. I'm not even sure if I agree with his thesis- that we can't humble ourselves. It all starts with God's work. ... Yes, but don't all of God's commands start with his work? Humbling oneself is commanded far more often than God saying he will humble his people.
The author also uses more negative examples of humility instead of positive ones He talks about Pharaoh, Ahab, and King Manasseh, ect. I don't get why he would use all these evil kings as examples when there is a plethora of great godly examples to show humility.
The book would have been so much better if he had talked through Moses being humbled by not entering the Promise Land, Ruth and Hannah being humble though great difficulty, David's humility and repentance, Ezra and Nehemiah showing humility rebuilding the land and people after the exile, Peter being humbled by Jesus after his resurrection, Saul being humbled by meeting Jesus on the road. And he did spend one chapter on Jesus, the ultimate example, but it fell short.
I wanted what Gentle and Lowly did but in a book about humility. I just came out wanting after reading this. Read a poem by Bill Britton called "Dying to Self" and you get more out of it.
The author also uses more negative examples of humility instead of positive ones He talks about Pharaoh, Ahab, and King Manasseh, ect. I don't get why he would use all these evil kings as examples when there is a plethora of great godly examples to show humility.
The book would have been so much better if he had talked through Moses being humbled by not entering the Promise Land, Ruth and Hannah being humble though great difficulty, David's humility and repentance, Ezra and Nehemiah showing humility rebuilding the land and people after the exile, Peter being humbled by Jesus after his resurrection, Saul being humbled by meeting Jesus on the road. And he did spend one chapter on Jesus, the ultimate example, but it fell short.
I wanted what Gentle and Lowly did but in a book about humility. I just came out wanting after reading this. Read a poem by Bill Britton called "Dying to Self" and you get more out of it.
Read
February 23, 2022The two chapters that I enjoyed the most were first: "Fellowship: You Are Not That Special" and second: the chapter called "Sell Yourself Short".
In the first, he points out how easily we fall into sin when we compare ourselves to others. This takes us down that road of thinking that our specialness makes us the exception in terms of neediness. It especially shows up as we interact with other people, particularly in the body of Christ. It takes self-humbling to submit to all the things that are good for us in our local churches.
In the second, Mathis put forth the value of understatement in contrast to rampant and celebrated self-promotion.
He circles it all up in the final chapter to spotlight the humility of Christ- who left heaven to add flesh and blood to his deity and suffer, be tortured, and publicly humiliated- who laid down his life to save me in my arrogant unbelief- that is powerful motivation for the self-humbling God requires of me.
In the first, he points out how easily we fall into sin when we compare ourselves to others. This takes us down that road of thinking that our specialness makes us the exception in terms of neediness. It especially shows up as we interact with other people, particularly in the body of Christ. It takes self-humbling to submit to all the things that are good for us in our local churches.
In the second, Mathis put forth the value of understatement in contrast to rampant and celebrated self-promotion.
He circles it all up in the final chapter to spotlight the humility of Christ- who left heaven to add flesh and blood to his deity and suffer, be tortured, and publicly humiliated- who laid down his life to save me in my arrogant unbelief- that is powerful motivation for the self-humbling God requires of me.
August 26, 2025
A paradigm-shifting book on the Christian virtue of humility. Mathis highlights that our pursuit of humility happens on God’s terms. He says, “true self-humbling is not our initiative, but it does require our doing as we learn to welcome the uncomfortable work of God.” Therefore, our humility should always be a response to what God is doing not an achievement we attain. “We don’t initiate humility, and we don’t get the credit for it.”
While we can and should cultivate a posture of humility to respond to God’s means to humble us, we should be careful to not idolize “humility”. In its ugliest form, the pursuit of humility can unfortunately masquerade as “Christian pride” as we show others how “humble” and “self-effacing” we are. Mathis says, “The goal is not to underestimate ourselves, though, but to think with sober judgement.”
In my opinion this short read is a must for any Christian!
While we can and should cultivate a posture of humility to respond to God’s means to humble us, we should be careful to not idolize “humility”. In its ugliest form, the pursuit of humility can unfortunately masquerade as “Christian pride” as we show others how “humble” and “self-effacing” we are. Mathis says, “The goal is not to underestimate ourselves, though, but to think with sober judgement.”
In my opinion this short read is a must for any Christian!
October 4, 2025
This was a short, but thought-provoking book about what it truly means to be humble before God. Through exploratory writing, David Mathis explains how the work of being humbled doesn't start with our initiative- it begins with God's. God Himself has no reason to be humble, and yet Jesus "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness....and humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:7-8). Mathis also talks about what it means to pursue humility in a practical way, and how God continues to cultivate a humble spirit in us throughout our Christian walk. Overall, I strongly recommend this book for anyone seeking to grow in humility- and in their relationship with Christ.
June 17, 2024
This tiny book is one of the best books on humility that I have ever read. Mathis helps the reader see that the work of humility in the believer's heart is, first and foremost, a work of God. He then talks about how God has invited us into the call to walk in humility and enumerates some tools in that journey: intake of Scripture, prayer, biblical community, and fasting. I think the saturation of Scripture in this tiny book is excellent and I agree with his conclusions!
April 8, 2025
A helpful treatise! Repetitive in the beginning, but chapters 3-8 were much-needed reminders. I'd say a good introduction to humility for baby Christians and an effective recentering/recalibrating tool for seasoned Christians.
January 18, 2024
“Humble understanding is the root.
Humble obedience is the fruit.”
Great read!
Biblical and full of scripture references!
Humble obedience is the fruit.”
Great read!
Biblical and full of scripture references!
November 5, 2024
Possibly the best book I've read this year.
September 8, 2022
Small but mighty book that packs a sucker punch to your pride. Mathis fits a lot of accessible theology into this short book focused on humility. Although we are not initiators in this process, we do have an active role to play. Lots of food for thought!
July 8, 2024
It feels kind of wrong to say I didn’t like a book based on biblical humility, and a bit ironic to give it the number of stars on its cover.
Disclaimer: a lot of reasons why I rate this low are highly preferential reasons, so take it all with that in mind.
While the topic of this book initially had me interested, I felt it didn’t deliver on the potential it had. I’m not a huge fan of topical preaching, and this felt very much like that. It was a lot of regurgitating many different scriptures, which is GREAT, but I felt it didn’t take you much deeper in understanding the scriptures he used. Which, I’d rather just read the bible.
Many of the areas he talked about were so quick and jumped to the next one, so it felt really disjointed.
Also just didn’t love his writing style in general. I often had to re-read sentences or paragraphs trying to figure out what he was getting at.
It’s a small, 100 page book and took me 1.5 months to get through, so was hard for me to push through.
Disclaimer: a lot of reasons why I rate this low are highly preferential reasons, so take it all with that in mind.
While the topic of this book initially had me interested, I felt it didn’t deliver on the potential it had. I’m not a huge fan of topical preaching, and this felt very much like that. It was a lot of regurgitating many different scriptures, which is GREAT, but I felt it didn’t take you much deeper in understanding the scriptures he used. Which, I’d rather just read the bible.
Many of the areas he talked about were so quick and jumped to the next one, so it felt really disjointed.
Also just didn’t love his writing style in general. I often had to re-read sentences or paragraphs trying to figure out what he was getting at.
It’s a small, 100 page book and took me 1.5 months to get through, so was hard for me to push through.
June 9, 2024
Such a good book. Practical. Concise. To the point. Gospel centered. Christ exalting! Encouraging! I will re-read this over and over again in my Christian walk.
March 5, 2025
Read again 2025: to preach on humility. Still great
Important book that focuses on one of the key aspects of our walk with the Lord. The author points to Christ as a perfect example and provides a clear and concise walk through the aspects of humility. I found the chapter on fasting to be very memorable. Highly recommended
Important book that focuses on one of the key aspects of our walk with the Lord. The author points to Christ as a perfect example and provides a clear and concise walk through the aspects of humility. I found the chapter on fasting to be very memorable. Highly recommended
July 4, 2024
Highly recommended. Mathis shows us how God humbles us through our response to his Word and his work. Humility is thinking less about ourselves, but it's also more than that. Mathis shows how ultimately, humility is the means through which we admit to ourselves, to others, and to God himself, “I am not God.”
Rich with insight, very accessible, and short.
Rich with insight, very accessible, and short.
February 7, 2022
Перша книжка, яку я прочитала (до-читала) в цьому «новому» році – про смирення.
Узагалі, то не така вже й сильно трендова чеснота нашого часу. Тим, власне, коштовніша.
Книжка маленька, не особливо вишукана (то я і про якість паперу, і особливість стилю письма, бо лаконічність і промовистість дизайну обкладинки таки блискучі), читається на раз-два і, здається, дуже треба нам усім. Ось чому:
Зло існує, страждання прийдуть, нам болітиме, а наші реакції на біль і страждання не завжди будуть вершиною адекватності й мудрості – і потім нам, на додачу до пережитого, ще й буде за себе соромно. Ні вік, ні розум, ні набуті знання, ні внутрішня дисципліна тому не запобігатимуть. Усе тут наче так просто: «Господи, Ти ж знаєш, що я – тільки людина». Він-то знає – але й нам не завадить пам’ятати про це теж.
Суть смирення (і тут автор цитує свого колєґу Джона Пайпера) полягає в тому, щоби чутися, думати, говорити і діяти в спосіб, який промовляє: я – не Бог.
Знову: така наче проста правда, але і про неї постійно мусимо нагадувати собі, коли беремося все самі полагодити, врятувати світ, а тоді ніяк не можемо допетрати, звідки в нас, таких хороших і зосереджених на добрій меті, взялося вигорання. Або коли починаємо себе ж за нього катувати: ай-ай, стільки треба зробити, а я не можу себе зішкребти з ліжка – пригоріла ж!
Я вже не раз цитую фразу, яка особливо зачепила в подкастовій розмові з Владикою Borys Gudziak: «Стривай, ти не Спаситель,» - нагадує він собі.
І якщо вже навіть він не спаситель, то тим паче не спаситель я! Власне, це дає мені право зупинитися, дозволити собі втишення, дати собі час (!!!), інколи просто ПРИЙНЯТИ турботу і любов, не прораховуючи наперед, як я зможу потім за них віддячити.
Дозволити Христові стати навколішки коло мене і вмити мені ноги перед Вечерею.
Бо, як не дивно, це теж – про смирення.
Девід Метіс пише, що смирення, як і віра – то НЕ досягнення.
Це праця вглибині нас, яку ініціює і провадить Господь. Від нас залежить, чи ми захочемо Йому спів-діяти. Але добрий результат однаково не є нашою заслугою.
Це – дарунок Його благодаті. Який може завдавати болю і незручностей дорогою, але який неодмінно несе в собі божественне благословення.
Смиренне розуміння, продовжує пан Метіс, є коренем. А вже смиренний послух є плодом (англійською там чудове римування між the root і the fruit).
Це мені дуже перегукується із тим, що сьогодні вранці читала в Освальда Чемберса про послух: послух (obedience) може бути лише між рівними (equals), а не між сюзереном і васалом. ‘The Son’s obedience was as Redeemer, BECAUSE HE WAS SON, not in order to be Son’. Справжній послух може відбутися лише з доброї волі.
Зростаючи в розумінні і послуху, ми зростаємо в благодаті, а відтак – у любові.
Мені так кортить поділитися численними рефлексіями, але краще я виявлю трохи смирення і поділюся кількома цитатами натомість.
* - The main test (and opportunity) comes when we are confronted, unsettled, and accosted —in the moments when our semblances of control vanish and we’re taken off guard by the hard edges of life in a fallen world.
* - Each rising sun brings with it the question, Will you try to handle this day on your own, or reconse- crate yourself with a renewed declaration of dependence? And in particular, Will you begin this day with the sound of God’s voice, the whispers of your own, or the words of someone else?
* - those who are most ready to hit their knees in desperate times will be those who have learned the habit of bowing even in the best of times.
* - If anyone could plead special privilege, it would be the divine Son. And yet! He did not cling to his equality with God as a self-serving privilege or ask to be excused from the sweat and blood of the mission.
* - Local churches can be wonderfully humbling collectives.
* - We are enduring (not to overstate it) an epidemic of over-promising and under-performing.
* - We are secure enough in Christ to have our qualities go unacknowledged.
Узагалі, то не така вже й сильно трендова чеснота нашого часу. Тим, власне, коштовніша.
Книжка маленька, не особливо вишукана (то я і про якість паперу, і особливість стилю письма, бо лаконічність і промовистість дизайну обкладинки таки блискучі), читається на раз-два і, здається, дуже треба нам усім. Ось чому:
Зло існує, страждання прийдуть, нам болітиме, а наші реакції на біль і страждання не завжди будуть вершиною адекватності й мудрості – і потім нам, на додачу до пережитого, ще й буде за себе соромно. Ні вік, ні розум, ні набуті знання, ні внутрішня дисципліна тому не запобігатимуть. Усе тут наче так просто: «Господи, Ти ж знаєш, що я – тільки людина». Він-то знає – але й нам не завадить пам’ятати про це теж.
Суть смирення (і тут автор цитує свого колєґу Джона Пайпера) полягає в тому, щоби чутися, думати, говорити і діяти в спосіб, який промовляє: я – не Бог.
Знову: така наче проста правда, але і про неї постійно мусимо нагадувати собі, коли беремося все самі полагодити, врятувати світ, а тоді ніяк не можемо допетрати, звідки в нас, таких хороших і зосереджених на добрій меті, взялося вигорання. Або коли починаємо себе ж за нього катувати: ай-ай, стільки треба зробити, а я не можу себе зішкребти з ліжка – пригоріла ж!
Я вже не раз цитую фразу, яка особливо зачепила в подкастовій розмові з Владикою Borys Gudziak: «Стривай, ти не Спаситель,» - нагадує він собі.
І якщо вже навіть він не спаситель, то тим паче не спаситель я! Власне, це дає мені право зупинитися, дозволити собі втишення, дати собі час (!!!), інколи просто ПРИЙНЯТИ турботу і любов, не прораховуючи наперед, як я зможу потім за них віддячити.
Дозволити Христові стати навколішки коло мене і вмити мені ноги перед Вечерею.
Бо, як не дивно, це теж – про смирення.
Девід Метіс пише, що смирення, як і віра – то НЕ досягнення.
Це праця вглибині нас, яку ініціює і провадить Господь. Від нас залежить, чи ми захочемо Йому спів-діяти. Але добрий результат однаково не є нашою заслугою.
Це – дарунок Його благодаті. Який може завдавати болю і незручностей дорогою, але який неодмінно несе в собі божественне благословення.
Смиренне розуміння, продовжує пан Метіс, є коренем. А вже смиренний послух є плодом (англійською там чудове римування між the root і the fruit).
Це мені дуже перегукується із тим, що сьогодні вранці читала в Освальда Чемберса про послух: послух (obedience) може бути лише між рівними (equals), а не між сюзереном і васалом. ‘The Son’s obedience was as Redeemer, BECAUSE HE WAS SON, not in order to be Son’. Справжній послух може відбутися лише з доброї волі.
Зростаючи в розумінні і послуху, ми зростаємо в благодаті, а відтак – у любові.
Мені так кортить поділитися численними рефлексіями, але краще я виявлю трохи смирення і поділюся кількома цитатами натомість.
* - The main test (and opportunity) comes when we are confronted, unsettled, and accosted —in the moments when our semblances of control vanish and we’re taken off guard by the hard edges of life in a fallen world.
* - Each rising sun brings with it the question, Will you try to handle this day on your own, or reconse- crate yourself with a renewed declaration of dependence? And in particular, Will you begin this day with the sound of God’s voice, the whispers of your own, or the words of someone else?
* - those who are most ready to hit their knees in desperate times will be those who have learned the habit of bowing even in the best of times.
* - If anyone could plead special privilege, it would be the divine Son. And yet! He did not cling to his equality with God as a self-serving privilege or ask to be excused from the sweat and blood of the mission.
* - Local churches can be wonderfully humbling collectives.
* - We are enduring (not to overstate it) an epidemic of over-promising and under-performing.
* - We are secure enough in Christ to have our qualities go unacknowledged.
March 25, 2025
Something about this felt more humbled adjacent to me rather than a study on humility in the Bible. I know this is all based on personal opinion but I just didn’t feel like he delivered on the intended topic and it lacked depth. I thought it was an interesting choice that about 82% of the examples spanned only from 1 Kings to 2 Chronicles and specifically were Jewish Kings. Out of the entirety of the Bible I would have expected more diverse examples.
I also had to take a break after the very first bit of the book because I would not use the term “humbled” to describe any of those events. “Deceived” or “manipulated” would have been more accurate. Perhaps years later looking back people may feel humbled about their actions toward previous convictions during that period of time. But I think I’m also just growing so tired of every book written in 2020-2021 feeling the dire need to mention the pandemic and all the other pandemonium that occurred around that time. It seems like so many opinions didn’t age well or just aren’t necessary, and in the case of this book I just don’t feel like it fit the theme of humility the way he had hoped. Other illustrations could have been much more powerful.
He also placed such a huge emphasis on the fact that WE don’t humble ourselves, rather it’s our response to some sort of work God is doing in our lives. Of course a reformed author is going to make this distinction, and I am not saying I disagree with his theology. But he would say so much that “we don’t humble ourselves” but then next sentence would say “we have to humble ourselves.” I understand the distinction and the differences he means between the two, but maybe slightly change the verbiage if saying it on the heels of explaining that it’s not OUR doing. I chuckled to myself when he said things like “our professor humbled new seminarians” because I imagined someone arguing with him “you JUST said only God has the ability to humble us!” And of course he would say he obviously meant God used the professor to humble the student. Again, not saying I don’t agree, but I didn’t see a strong scriptural defense for it with how ardently he was stressing this. It feels like I can just use the same argument for everything then: It’s impossible for me to be kind unless God allows a circumstance for me to display kindness. I can’t have self control unless God ordains a situation to arise where I can choose to hold back or indulge.
I digress.
Yes truth was preached. I just didn’t get much from it. I hope others do! I much prefer the Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller. I don’t give less than 3 stars for books where the author shares the same exact religious viewpoint as I unless there’s bad theology or straight up heresy.
I also had to take a break after the very first bit of the book because I would not use the term “humbled” to describe any of those events. “Deceived” or “manipulated” would have been more accurate. Perhaps years later looking back people may feel humbled about their actions toward previous convictions during that period of time. But I think I’m also just growing so tired of every book written in 2020-2021 feeling the dire need to mention the pandemic and all the other pandemonium that occurred around that time. It seems like so many opinions didn’t age well or just aren’t necessary, and in the case of this book I just don’t feel like it fit the theme of humility the way he had hoped. Other illustrations could have been much more powerful.
He also placed such a huge emphasis on the fact that WE don’t humble ourselves, rather it’s our response to some sort of work God is doing in our lives. Of course a reformed author is going to make this distinction, and I am not saying I disagree with his theology. But he would say so much that “we don’t humble ourselves” but then next sentence would say “we have to humble ourselves.” I understand the distinction and the differences he means between the two, but maybe slightly change the verbiage if saying it on the heels of explaining that it’s not OUR doing. I chuckled to myself when he said things like “our professor humbled new seminarians” because I imagined someone arguing with him “you JUST said only God has the ability to humble us!” And of course he would say he obviously meant God used the professor to humble the student. Again, not saying I don’t agree, but I didn’t see a strong scriptural defense for it with how ardently he was stressing this. It feels like I can just use the same argument for everything then: It’s impossible for me to be kind unless God allows a circumstance for me to display kindness. I can’t have self control unless God ordains a situation to arise where I can choose to hold back or indulge.
I digress.
Yes truth was preached. I just didn’t get much from it. I hope others do! I much prefer the Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller. I don’t give less than 3 stars for books where the author shares the same exact religious viewpoint as I unless there’s bad theology or straight up heresy.
October 9, 2023
An unexpected read! My church has a little free book section in its lobby, and I've been particularly drawn to the topic of humility for years and found myself wanting to meditate on it afresh since it had been a while since I had done so... was also drawn to its size and simple description. (I've had trouble getting through books quickly as of late, so I feel more accomplished snagging these small--usually compact with information!--reads).
Humbled was a good book, and though I rated it 3/5 stars, it has nothing to do with disagreement with theology or being disgruntled by its content. It was a simple, straight-forward examination of humility that focused on a basic, biblical understanding of how humility works in a person's life and the choice we are faced with when it (humbling) comes upon us. The author uses examples of those in scripture who DID choose to welcome God's humbling work and those who did NOT... and the aftermath of each. He then went on to examine the ultimate example of humility: the humbling of Jesus Christ under the authority of His Father.
It's worth a read! Only bumped it down because it lacked some of the depth I traditionally tend to prefer, but I suppose it is a catch-22... I went into this being drawn to its simplicity, and such is what a got in its structure and message delivery! Ah, alas.
P.S. Also worth noting David Mathis works with Desiring God (John Piper's organization), so it is a trusted source in my eyes. I really value John Piper's material and, by extension, that which is associated with him through the writings of his staff.
Humbled was a good book, and though I rated it 3/5 stars, it has nothing to do with disagreement with theology or being disgruntled by its content. It was a simple, straight-forward examination of humility that focused on a basic, biblical understanding of how humility works in a person's life and the choice we are faced with when it (humbling) comes upon us. The author uses examples of those in scripture who DID choose to welcome God's humbling work and those who did NOT... and the aftermath of each. He then went on to examine the ultimate example of humility: the humbling of Jesus Christ under the authority of His Father.
It's worth a read! Only bumped it down because it lacked some of the depth I traditionally tend to prefer, but I suppose it is a catch-22... I went into this being drawn to its simplicity, and such is what a got in its structure and message delivery! Ah, alas.
P.S. Also worth noting David Mathis works with Desiring God (John Piper's organization), so it is a trusted source in my eyes. I really value John Piper's material and, by extension, that which is associated with him through the writings of his staff.
August 1, 2021
Great little book with good info, well organized. I wanted more personal example, personal stories. I loved that the author used so much scripture for each point. That was great. But I wanted some put the feet to the road, this is how this looks today type stuff. That would have taken the book to the next level. However, the writing was easy to follow and understand and content was applicable.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
January 24, 2023
We’ve all had one of those moments. When, in our flesh, we are just not smart enough, not strong enough, or not prepared enough and we are left with no other choice then to feel… humbled.
But how often do we lack the humility to embrace these humbling moments when God is trying to shape our hearts to better understand that He is God, and we are not.
With many examples from Scripture, Mathis gives a number of helpful ways we can accept this uncomfortable work of God.
Engaging, encouraging, and convicting… this book was a great read.
But how often do we lack the humility to embrace these humbling moments when God is trying to shape our hearts to better understand that He is God, and we are not.
With many examples from Scripture, Mathis gives a number of helpful ways we can accept this uncomfortable work of God.
Engaging, encouraging, and convicting… this book was a great read.
April 24, 2025
I truly loved Humbled by David Mathis! This short book is about being Humble through and through and what it truly means. I love how Mr. Mathis explores being Humble from a Biblical Perspective and what I gleaned from it. Humbled challenged me and stretched me in a good way. I used Humbled as part of my devotion time and took a lot of notes. I highly recommend Humbled by David Mathis! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
September 5, 2021
What is humility and why do we want it? Honestly, I picked up this book after hearing the title, I know that I could learn a lot about the beauty of humility. And I did. This book is set up in 8 short chapters, written in essay form about what the Bible has to say about humility. The lessons I learned in this book will stay with me in the days to come as I evaluate my reactions to world around me.
"...humility embraces the reality that I am not God."
"...humility embraces the reality that I am not God."
July 11, 2022
Such a good little book on Christian humility and welcoming God’s humbling hand in your life. In a world where it’s more common/acceptable to think highly of yourself, this book reminds us that we honor God most by making much of him and less of us. He expounds on how we use the spiritual disciplines to cultivate a heart ready to be humbled and how we can mediate on Christ’s perfect example of humility. Love!!
February 15, 2023
David Mathis takes us by the hand and leads us through the Word of God in what it means to humble ourselves. His words bring understanding to our journey of humility before the Lord and others.
Josh Child’s did an excellent job reading this audiobook. Clear, concise, yet his voice and inflections brought the words of this book to life making it seem as if he was sharing with us across the table. Professional, yet personable; a great combination!
Josh Child’s did an excellent job reading this audiobook. Clear, concise, yet his voice and inflections brought the words of this book to life making it seem as if he was sharing with us across the table. Professional, yet personable; a great combination!
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