Short but powerful ( )

Great little booklet on the topic of ego, humility and self-esteem. There's a lot of really good writing packed into this and it has given me some things to think about. ( )

This is a lifetime book, one that you'll come back to time and time again.
Keller argues over and over that humility is attainable when we take our sights off ourselves- both from our shortcomings and our successes- and begin focusing on other people.
The writing style is very simple and repetitive, but I believe that's the point. Keller wants us to see that "humility" or self-forgetfulness is that easy. Our ego wants to complicate it, to find all sorts of hoops to jump and accomplishments to say, "well, that was a workout, but I've finally mastered humility! Aren't I great!" But that would defeat the purpose wouldn't it?
Instead, the book is so darn simple, you find yourself asking over and over, "can that really be it? Is it really that simple? It can't be! But why don't I get it yet?" It's a topic that requires regular review, regular re-reading to change your preexisting assumptions on what humility is. ( )

Every book that I have read by Keller has been deeply meaningful. This one is no exception...I think that makes 5 in a row over the last 2 years or so. During this same time, I have read several other authors who have also had great impact in my life, Nancy Pearcey, Greg Koukl, Ray Comfort, Abdu Murray, Nabeel Qureshi, Rick Warren, but Keller stands out somehow...maybe he just speaks to my way of thinking. Always thoughtful, always well reasoned, always insightful. I had already posted this to another review:
Keller has a knack for presenting the truths of Christianity. I have yet to find a book of his where I even have any small quibbles, of either substance or style! This short book was probably a sermon that he tightened up for a reading audience. Self-esteem is now a highly sought quality, highly praised, and seen as a solution to so many ills of modern life. Keller shows that this is misguided and the there is a better way. Let me quote: "His conscience may be clear -- but he knows that even if he does have a clear conscience, that does not necessarily mean he is innocent. Hitler might have had a clear conscience, but it does not mean he was innocent.

What would Paul say to those who tell him to set his own standards? He would say it is a trap. A trap he will not fall into. You see, it is a trap to say that we should not worry about everyone else's standards, just set our own. That's not an answer. Boosting our self-esteem by living up to our own standards or someone else's sounds like a great solution. But it does not deliver. It cannot deliver. I cannot live up to my parents' standards -- and that makes me feel terrible. I cannot live up to society's standards -- and that makes me feel terrible. I cannot live up to other societies' standards --that makes me feel terrible. Perhaps the solution is to set my own standards? but I cannot keep them either -- and that make me feel terrible, unless I set incredibly low standards. Are low standards a solution? Not at all. That makes me feel terrible because I realize I am the type of person who has low standards. Trying to boost our self-esteem by trying to live up to our own standards or someone else's is a trap. It is not an answer."

As bleak as this is, no question about it, Keller does find good news, a new direction that brings hope and a better way. His website is www.10ofthose.com and this book is less than 50 pages. You may find his book at other retailers at deeper discounts too...but I am really tempted to buy more copies in bulk to give away.

I cannot leave you without a little hint of the solution Keller presents: instead of a performance driven life, he suggests a forgiveness inspired life. Once you recognize who you are, you can find forgiveness (because we all fall short of the best) and in that forgiveness, find something (someone, actually) who gives you the chance to be transformed. ( )

Nothing overwhelming or new here, taking a little Bible and a little C.S. Lewis to put together a sermon on humility. It’s worth chewing on and working through, which has led me to some ideas to work on with my kids, so that’s a plus. ( )