The Overarching Place of Humility

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Scripture:


1Pet. 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for

“God opposes the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.”

1Pet. 5:6   Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 


Observation:


Both Peter and Paul write often about humility. Considering how these men started out in life, these are powerful words. Here Peter is encouraging the young leaders in the church to humble themselves and accept the authority of those who are in leadership. At the same time he says that “all” are to clothe themselves with humility, and this, specifically in dealing with one another. He feels so strongly about this that he quotes a passage from the Old Testament. Here we see a great connection between grace and humility. Grace is at work in the lives of the humble. 


Finally, Peter encourages the leaders to be humble before God. He paints a picture of the power and might of God, and place of the earthly leader. It is God who should do the exaltation, and not the individual. Ultimately, we discover that humility is a cardinal virtue in the life of a Christian. 


Application:


Taking a posture of humility on a daily basis will help us live into the character of Jesus Christ. There aren’t a lot of conversations around humility these days. Maybe it’s not a popular conversation. Instead, we have become a world who believes that battles are fought in a war of words. Therefore, we speak loudly and boldly, but the words don’t necessarily reflect the reality of someone’s life. 


We are to be clothed in humility in our dealings with one another. I think that means that we don’t boldly declare that we are right, or that our perspective is the best. Instead, Christians are supposed to have a spirit or an attitude of humility — that maybe they don’t know all the answers —  and just maybe, those older adults who have lived a little longer and seen more of the world might have a perspective that is worth hearing.  We live in a society that has somehow diminished the beauty of humility, and in doing so, has robbed us of God’s grace. 


Humility is to have an overarching role in the life of the believer. When this happens then God’s children will live together in peace, deferring to one another in conversation and life. The humility of Jesus was stunning to the world, and the humility of believers is to have the same affect today. 


Prayer:


Lord, help me to live a live of humility before you and others. Amen. 

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