Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5 KJV)

Peter encourages us to submit ourselves to one another and be clothed with humility. He defines what he calls humility in this context: subjecting oneself to another. God has given each of us personal authority and a will. It takes humility to lay aside your authority and subject yourself to the authority of another. Humility makes us take instructions or even advice from others. It is the fundamental trait that governs obedience to God. When we obey God, we put aside our personal authority and pride and do what He instructs and commands us to do.

On the contrary, pride puts our own will above everything else. Pride rejects authority because it sees itself on the top of the world. It is too big to do a “low-class jobs” but will instead wait until it can work in the presidency! It cannot wash the feet of the disciples or serve them because it is too high to come that low. Rather, it has to be served and lifted up.

Pride ravages our spiritual lives, marriages, families, ministries, etc. Many kids are too proud today to take instructions from parents. Similarly, many Christians today are just too full of themselves to take instructions from pastors set by God over them. Many people reject God because they are gods in their own eyes and cannot accept they were created or that there is a God who is above them.

Be clothed with humility.

MEDITATE

Please read the verse above and think about what Peter calls humility in this context. What is humility here? Are you humble or proud?

APPLY THE WORD

 Disobedience, rejection of authority, inability to take advice, too big for simple tasks, etc are subtle clues of pride in our lives. Be humble, and God will lift you up.

PRAY

Humility is a fruit of the Spirit. Pray that you will grow in this fruit. 

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