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.
I Peter 5:5-6
Human nature has remained the same throughout the ages. The disciples of Jesus were very much like His disciples today, seeking truth, longing to be like Jesus, yet fighting their sinful, human nature. People in the time of Jesus, like today, wanted to be great; they wanted recognition and an elevated position. The disciples asked Jesus, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus responded to them in a way that surprised them: He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4) We see from this teaching that humility is valued in the kingdom of God. The world exalts those who have power and prestige, yet God exalts the humble.
Joseph had a dream that his brothers would all bow down to him, and his pride got him into a lot of trouble. His brothers threw him into a pit and he ended up in slavery. A little time in prison humbled Joseph, and by the end of his life he was a man of humility who extended kindness to his brothers. He did not end up embittered over what his brothers had done to him; instead, he allowed the Lord to grow humility and mercy in his heart.
God gives grace to the humble, so where we are willing to be humbled,
He will grow His grace in us. Pride can grow like a weed and take over the garden of our spiritual lives if we leave it unattended. Pride subtly makes its way into facets of our lives, seeking to root out humility and cause us to exalt ourselves, thereby bringing destruction. (Proverbs 16:18)
God’s Word tells us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand so that He may lift us up. (I Peter 5:5-6) Where do you need to humble yourself under His mighty hand? He has promised in due time to lift you up and pour out His grace upon you.
Heavenly Father,
I have been boastful and proud (fill in the blank). I acknowledge that apart from You,
I can do nothing. I seek Your forgiveness for my pride. I humble myself under Your mighty hand, knowing that You will restore me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
