John Owen on Humility

John Owen writes, "There are two things that are suited to humble the souls of men. . . . A due consideration of God, and then of ourselves. Of God, in his greatness, glory, holiness, power, majesty and authority; of ourselves, in our mean, abject and sinful condition." (Mahaney, C.J. "Humility: True Greatness." Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah. 2005. p92)

If these are the two things suited to promoting humility (and I think nails it exactly, and in the right order), it is little wonder we are so arrogant. How often do we give God due consideration, particularly in His greatness, glory, holiness, power, majesty and authority? Do not most preachers and authors prefer to present Him as friend and helper? Who is willing to confront us with our truly mean, abject and sinful condition which separates us from fellowship with God, and from which we cannot extricate ourselves?

God give us, and make us, such preachers, authors . . . and friends.