Verse: 1 Peter 5:6
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
In writing this devotional, I have really learned a good deal about this verse. Man! When I take time and sit and study He is SO faithful to unpack His word in a way that leaves me in awe of the Bible. It is so life giving!
You can take this verse alone if you like and definitely get a good bit out of it. It’s always good to remind ourselves to wait for God to lift us up. It is so good to remember that His honor is a thousand times better than anything we humans can manufacture.
However, as a leader at CityLight, I look at this verse through a different lens. A lens that is in awe of how the Lord has given Christian and I the complete privilege of leading at CityLight. This passage is a call for leaders to care for their “ flock.” Verse 2 is one that speaks volumes to my heart and brings me to my knees. Oh, that my heart would echo this verse! We are all in positions of leadership in some area whether it be the church, our jobs, or our families. Take a moment to read this through that lens:
1 Peter 5:1-6:
2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
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.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
We read in verse 5 a call to the “younger” to submit and clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. The younger, whether in the natural age or in time spent in the faith, are called to have a heart posture that is willing. Willing, to learn, to listen and embrace the “elders” and the position they carry. In commentaries it states that “clothing yourselves” means to literally put on an apron. It is tied around your neck and has sleeves much like a full apron. It is what Jesus “ clothed” Himself with when He washed the disciples feet. It speaks volumes to me. A beautiful message Peter literally watched unfold. Seeing the Teacher clothe Himself physically with an apron, kneel down and wash his disciples feet. That must have been incredibly humbling and Peter now calls us to do that same act for one another.
But, it is also a call to the elders. Those in leadership and those along in years. They have a heart posture that is willing to learn from the younger. To learn, to listen and embrace those who are “ younger”. This passage is asking if the elders and the youth would do this for one another.
Mother Teresa’s life is one I deeply admire. When I see all she did as a leader I am humbled. Her life was dedicated to serve the least of these. She wore humility, yet led with courage and strength. She said, “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”
Prayer
Father, as a leader I ask that you would invade my heart and allow me to seek humility. To put others before myself. To walk out Your purpose for my life with humility and such love. Let me “lean not on my own understandings, but in all your ways submit to Him and He will make my paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6. I want to hold Your call on my life with open hands, knowing it is all Yours and I am a vessel for Your work. Let there be an evident mark of humility on my life that bears Your Name. I love you Jesus. Amen.
Author: Mandy Dunn
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