BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY

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

In the first four verses of this chapter, Peter exhorts elders to properly discharge their duties and responsibilities as shepherds and overseers of their individual congregations of Christian men and women. They were told to lead the church as a good shepherd leads his flock. Their position was to be one of leadership, rather than lordship. In verses five through eleven, Peter's exhortation is directed toward the flock - the Christian membership making up the congregation of the body of Christ.

The younger is to be submissive unto the elder. Many bible scholars believe the word translated "younger" are those that are, not only younger in physical age, but those that are inferior in knowledge and in position, when compared to the office of elder within the congregation. Peter is teaching that both the younger, as well as those that are older but lacking sufficient knowledge, are to submit to the eldership of their particular body of Christ. They were to, not only have respect for the position, but also are to submit to their authority, heed their admonitions, and follow their examples and leadership.

To the entire congregation of God's children, Peter then says, all of you be subject to one another. This can only be accomplished when every member considers him or herself to be a servant of all others within the body of Christ. Although there are many non-Christians that demonstrate charity in their lives, the general rule is that most people of the world are selfish in nature, and are reluctant to serve others in an inferior capacity. However, when one becomes a Christian, the role of servant is one of the tenants that must be assumed as a guide to their conduct of life. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, telling them that they were, by love to serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this; thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Gal. 5:13b-14).

Christians are to be clothed with humility. There is no more humble position than that of a servant. Humility is to be the clothing worn by a servant. A humble nature and conduct is the outward garb by which servants are recognized. It is the lowest of occupations. Society teaches us to have higher goals and ambitions in life - to strive for positions of greater reward and responsibility - to climb the ladder of success and seek leadership roles. Such ambitions in life are not contrary to the word of God. As a matter of fact, God requires all people to use their talents and abilities to the fullest possible extent, and to attain the highest level of successful in life as possible. Be mindful, however, that God also requires all to use the blessings, that success brings, to serve our family as well as our neighbors. As God freely gives to us, we, in a like manner, are to give freely to others. And in doing so, we glorify God, the Giver of all blessings.

God wants all Christians to replace the characteristic of self-pride with that of humility. This fact is brought out as Peter teaches us that God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. James had the same admonition to Christians, and wrote, Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). Pride is the lofty position one places their self in, from which they can look down on those around them. Most people that allow themselves to be taken with self-pride do not recognize its inherent danger. Notice the wisdom of Solomon regarding pride. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud (Prov. 16:18-19).

From its lofty position, the only direction the proud can go is down, and the fall will result in destruction. The humble, already located in the lowest of positions, has no where to go but up. Be assured of the truth found in the last verse of our lesson text. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. What a privilege it is to be a servant, regardless of your social status in life. What an honor it is to be clothed with humility.