Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1Peter 5:5-7 NIV)

What does it mean to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? Generally, it certainly involves an attitude of deep reverence toward God and letting every conscious thought be in submission to His will, so that every word and deed might be pleasing to Him. It also means that when we fall short of this, we acknowledge it, repent and return to the right path, prompted by a conscience in tune with God’s will.

To be a Christian we must be dressed for that work. Many passages in scripture deal with attire that is appropriate for Christians see Colossians 3:12-14 as an example of this. Here in 1 Peter 5:5, we are told to be clothed with humility. When we see ourselves as we really are before God; when we measure ourselves and judge ourselves by the perfect standard of God, telling ourselves the truth about who and what we are, the attitude produced by that process is humility. Humility is not self-hatred; it does not involve a denial of our potential or our good choices and character. Humility is a true, an honest view of who and what we are. Colossians 3:12 says we must put on humility. And this passage says that we must gird ourselves or clothe and wrap ourselves in this attitude called humility. This is essential to placing ourselves under the mighty hand of God.

Humility is developed as we learn submission to God. So today learn to submit to those who are placed above you and allow God to exult you in due season.

Read 1Peter 5