In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6)
Peter has seen some amazing things in his time.
He has also been involved in some incredible events. He has seen people rise from the dead, those born blind receive their sight and the demon possessed released from the demonic oppression. He witnessed the Saviour of the Universe perform miracles and was close enough to Him to witness Him transfigured and talking to two of the most important characters in the Old Testament – Elijah and Moses. He was the one who stood before the crowd on the Day of Pentecost and declared Jesus that saw thousands repent and believe in Jesus.
If anyone could have behaved like a Christian superstar it would have been Peter. If anyone had credentials to impose on others, it would have been Peter. If anyone was going to suggest you just look to him as the main event and follow his lead because he knows what he’s doing, it would have been Peter.
What does he urge to the entire body of believers? Humility.
The hallmark of the elders in the church is their servant mentality in humility. The hallmark of younger believers in their willingness to submit to elders as an act of humility. All relationships are called to be shaped by humility. There’s little point looking to effectively resist the enemy unless there is humility. You cannot be holy without expressing humility.
This amazing quality of humility sees the self take second place to the needs of the Lord. Especially as when those needs are met, so the body is developed, so people are built up with the character of God, so peace can exist in our spheres of influence. Not looking to self but relying on God to be everything He calls you to be.
Where others get fat on he pride of life, the outstanding distinctive mark of a follower of Christ is they are more than happy to live off regular slices of humble pie. Nourished by the fact that as they consume it they know God will place them in the location they need to be in.
To live free and be holy the key is humility.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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