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“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. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5.5-7
I love it when Scripture quotes Scripture. Unlike many other holy books, the Bible is so consistent. It supports itself. The character of God does not change or shift from Genesis to Revelation. Which is why we must read it daily, study it often, spend time diving into God’s Word so we will find guidance, strength and insight.
In this passage, Peter is teaching the church about humility. He tells those who are younger, to submit to the elders. And then he says to everyone, “all of you”, “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. Humility is important for all of God’s people.
Then Peter quotes Proverbs 3.34 which says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Or in the NIV it says, “He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.” How do we gain God’s favor? We remain humble. What does he do to the proud? He mocks them.
Finally, Peter tells us to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may life you up in due time.” Usually when I have been proud, I have been trying to elevate my status. I remember a time several years ago when I just knew I needed to be in charge of an organization. Although I was being moved into the lead position, it wasn’t fast enough. For some reason, which seems truly out of my character, I pushed back so hard that finally I was pushed out. Proverbs 3.34 came true for me that day when God mocked my pride. I humbled myself but the damage had already been done.
The passage suggests after we have humbled ourselves, and thus we trust God with the results, we are to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Isn’t this good news? God wants to use us in significant ways in the Kingdom but it has to be done his way and in his timing. It does little good if I push myself forward to the point of making a fool out of myself (which I have done more than once!)
Yet in it all, God is sovereign. If he closes a door you think he should have opened, think again. He could have opened it but it remained shut for a purpose. Trust the Lord as you practice walking in humility today.
“O Lord God, I praise you even for my foolishness because through my mistakes, you make your will known to my life. You remind me that I am not lost, but I am chosen, loved and called to be your servant. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me be all that you have called and created me to become. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen