1 Peter 5:5-7New International Version (NIV) 5 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.”[a]
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
At first glance, these verses are not what most people want to hear. The words are “weak” words-submit, humility, not proud, humble. Most people do not want to be known as submissive, humble or not proud. Humans by nature and our society in general encourage us to be associated with adjectives like powerful, strong, in control, accomplished, proud, wealthy, important etc. Those words are words that we, in our human frailty want others to use in describing us. Those words make us look good to others and make us feel good about ourselves (do they really?).
But these verses tell us that “GOD opposes the proud”. GOD does not care or want us to feel superior or better than our neighbor. HE doesn’t care what others think about us. We are all equally important to HIM and HE cares and loves us equally as any Father for His children. HE gives grace to the humble because the proud person dishonors GOD and believes that all that he or she has accomplished is independent of the LORD. GOD wants us to submit ourselves and be humble because once we have done that, we are in the place where we depend on HIM. Once we are in that dependence place, then GOD can do HIS best work in each one of us. HE can lead us, bless us, and direct us.
GOD’S humbling process will transform our lives. As pastor said Sunday, we will be resurrected into “GOD’S Newness.” We then learn that GOD’S Way is a whole lot better and far more satisfying than my way. My way might bring momentary satisfaction, but GOD’S Way will bring everlasting satisfaction and eternal life. Once we have succumbed to GOD’S Way, then all anxieties and fear are gone because we can depend on GOD to take care of us.
Lord please help me to remember that I am not in control. I submit to You Lord to take charge of my life. I humbly ask that You take care of all of my anxieties. Please help me to remember that Your Way is the highway to eternal life.
Amen.
Humbly Submitted by jerry.