Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris.  A small book…only 79 pages long.  Yet despite it’s length, it’s filled with truth.  (Read chapter one here.)

What is humble orthodoxy?  Quite simply, it is 2 Timothy 2:23-25.  It is holding fast to the truth of Scripture, defending it to the end, yet with the love and humility God calls His people to.

The author points out how so often it seems that Christians fall into one of two camps.  They either concentrate on loving others so much that they can’t bear to point out the truths of Scripture to them.  Or they concentrate so much on the doctrine of Scripture that they become arrogant, forcing the truth into other people’s lives.  Mr. Harris makes the point that Biblically, humility and othodoxy must go hand in hand.

“We need humility about our own failings in light of God’s Word, not a humility that doubts the clarity, authority, and sufficiency of Scripture.” – pg 35

The author talks about how our attitude about Christianity and truth really matter.  It is imperative that we hold fast to Scripture, because it is unchanging and absolute truth.  But we must also exemplify compassion and love…having “a tear in our eye” (as was described of Francis Schaeffer).  Mr. Harris also emphasizes how repentance must begin with us.  Each individual Christian must come to terms with their own arrogance and pride and repent.  Finally, in the last chapter, he talks about how ultimately we all must be living and acting for the approval of One person alone: God.

One of my favorite quotes from the book….”But I’ll tell you what deflates my arrogance and self-righteousness faster than anything else:trying to live whatever truth I have.”  – pg 37  Such a powerful statement.  Rather then looking around at what others may or may not be doing, I need to be so sure of my doctrine and beliefs…and then living them out every day.

At the end of the book is a small study guide.  This was great.  For each chapter, Josh had study questions, a small prayer topic that correlated, as well as a practical suggestion for living things out.  I know some of those prayer topics I want to go back and pray through as I examine my own journey to humble orthodoxy before God.

“We are not those who are right; we are those who have been redeemed.”  – pg 61

Note: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

-Bonnie