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Be Humble – 1Peter 5

Be Humble – 1Peter 5

5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Ah, the enthusiasm of youth. Many of us can only recall our own exuberance. But, it also often shows itself in headstrong idealism. As Paul warned about zeal with knowledge. With age comes experience. Hence, God appointed OLDER MEN to be the shepherds of His people. Older men with a track-record of godly experience. Hence the instruction that younger men need to clothe themselves with humility and be will to give way (i.e., submit) to the leadership of such older men.

What makes this difficult is pride. Often the blossom of knowledge leads to heady self-esteem. As Paul warned again, knowledge puffs up! Especially the beginning of knowledge. In college we were all well aware of the Psych 1 students who went about psycho-analyzing everyone. So it can be among us as the young men begin their adulthood.

As an older man, I can tell you that we need to also clothe ourselves with humility and listen for sometimes the younger men DO see and know about life as it NOW is being experienced. Wisdom does not automatically come with grey hair!

Above all, all of us need to develop an attitude of humility, especially in regard to God. He is God. His Word will give us the needed principles of life to live with godliness and holiness.

Be Humble.   

Hugh DeLong