LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Peter 5:5-7, Likewise to you younger people, submit to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.

 

Humility, the humble submission to the Lord, may be the key to walking on the narrow way to eternal life in His kingdom. You and I and all Believers are called to humble ourselves each day and be obedient to the Word of God. Humility is an absence of pride, including an honest awareness of our weaknesses. It is giving credit to others for what is often looked as what we did to succeed. Too often individuals take credit for being really good at their position in life when it took so many others to be successful at what they were doing. Leaders, coaches, and writers of blogs get credit but only because their employees, players, or research of other’s thoughts made them successful.

 

Peter wrote that you and I are to “be clothed with humility”. The notes in the LSSB explain this. “The word “cloth” means to attach a piece of clothing to oneself. In New Testament times slaves fastened a white piece of cloth or apron over their clothing so that others would know that they were slaves. Peter exhorts us to tie the cloth of humility on ourselves in order (1) to be identified as believers in Christ, and (2) to receive God’s grace and help (v. 5-7).” You and I are to walk in a way that is not prideful of accomplishments, but in a way that honors and glorifies God; we leave all exalting or boasting to Him.

 

You and I have been around those who are really proud of their accomplishments and those “who are wise in their own eyes”. It can be tiresome! The verse above is only one example that tells us God hates pride. What is so bad about pride? Pride has a difficult time admitting wrong doing; a prideful person will not admit to their sinfulness. In doing so, they are really resisting God and His offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. One with a humble heart will be quick to admit wrong doing and their need to have the Holy Spirit change them. One with a humble heart is not self-centered and will be quick to help others. One with a humble heart will seek out the help of others and ask for help in time of their need.

 

Jesus said walking on the narrow way would be difficult. This is the time you and I are seeking a true relationship with the Lord. I think it is obvious that this requires humility, the recognition that we are dependent on Him. Peter tells us to “cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you”. The DJSB gives good advice, “This simple but profound formula can stop worry in its tracks: don’t worry, pray!” We are to take those things that cause us to worry to the Lord; “cast our cares upon Him”. Why? “Because He cares for you”! The God who created everything “cares” for you and me! He desires good things for those who humble themselves and seek Him. He wants to give rewards in their proper time and will exalt those who do not look for recognition for what they have done. Give all your fears, anxieties, concerns, hopes, desires, and accomplishments to Him that He would be honored!

 

True humility allows us to know and understand that you and I are unable to do good deeds in our own power. Humility causes us to be dependent on God and not on ourselves; it will help us to do His will. It will help us be grateful for what we have instead of complaining. It will help us know we are dependent on God for everything. It helps us know that God cares for us – He loves us more than we can possibly understand.

 

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible