1 Peter 5:5-6
“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.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
I hate to say it, but we’re going to dive right into the uncomfortable. Pride.
When we break this verse down, it begins by saying that those of us who are younger (not just in age, even in time as believers) to submit to those who are elder or more experienced. This is a very hard topic in our culture today because submitting is seen as a weakness. It is NOT. I truly believe God puts people in our lives who are more wise and experienced than us so that they can help us along in our journey of faith. In our culture, we say things like “I got it” and “I don’t need help.” But we do.
The verse continues to say that we must clothe ourselves with humility toward each another! Clothe, cover yourselves; entirely! We are called to wear humility so that others can see Jesus in us. The scripture continues with a warning that God opposes the proud but favors the humble.
Take a moment to ask yourself: what spiritual clothes am I wearing? When someone looks at me, what do they see? Do they see attitude? Pride? Stubbornness? Lack of compassion? Cowardice? Anger? Or do they see love? Humility? Patience? Joy? I mean I could cycle through all 9 fruits of the Spirit!
You may be asking yourself, how do we change our spiritual clothing? Jesus. There is nothing you can do alone to change your appearance! I’ve spent years trying to take off my impatient hat. But at the end of the day, full submission to Jesus Christ and the Word of God will help get me there. It comes from diligence in spending time in prayer, thanksgiving and awe toward the Father! It grows each time we crack open our hearts to hear God’s living Word and be transformed! Change doesn’t happen overnight. Maybe God helps take your hat off and maybe your shoes; but you still have your shirt and jeans on. It takes time. One degree at a time.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
I hate to say it, but we’re going to dive right into the uncomfortable. Pride.
When we break this verse down, it begins by saying that those of us who are younger (not just in age, even in time as believers) to submit to those who are elder or more experienced. This is a very hard topic in our culture today because submitting is seen as a weakness. It is NOT. I truly believe God puts people in our lives who are more wise and experienced than us so that they can help us along in our journey of faith. In our culture, we say things like “I got it” and “I don’t need help.” But we do.
The verse continues to say that we must clothe ourselves with humility toward each another! Clothe, cover yourselves; entirely! We are called to wear humility so that others can see Jesus in us. The scripture continues with a warning that God opposes the proud but favors the humble.
Take a moment to ask yourself: what spiritual clothes am I wearing? When someone looks at me, what do they see? Do they see attitude? Pride? Stubbornness? Lack of compassion? Cowardice? Anger? Or do they see love? Humility? Patience? Joy? I mean I could cycle through all 9 fruits of the Spirit!
You may be asking yourself, how do we change our spiritual clothing? Jesus. There is nothing you can do alone to change your appearance! I’ve spent years trying to take off my impatient hat. But at the end of the day, full submission to Jesus Christ and the Word of God will help get me there. It comes from diligence in spending time in prayer, thanksgiving and awe toward the Father! It grows each time we crack open our hearts to hear God’s living Word and be transformed! Change doesn’t happen overnight. Maybe God helps take your hat off and maybe your shoes; but you still have your shirt and jeans on. It takes time. One degree at a time.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
Posted in Devotional