1 Peter 5:5 “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.” o
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Peter was a very close friend of Jesus. He walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, and ate with Jesus. He was one of the three disciples who made up Jesus’ “inner circle” along with James and John. In his first letter, he writes “one another” five times. These “one another” texts reveal what it means to be a Christian in all ages. So far, we have been told to love one another, live in harmony with one another, and offer hospitality to one another.
This month we are told to clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. Clothes are coverings. Christians ought to cover themselves with humility. What does that look like? Paul explains what that looks like in Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” What does it look like to value others above yourself? It is to take off your own shoes and put on the shoes of others and then act accordingly.
We live in a “Me First” culture, where we fight for our rights. Christians ought to be counter cultural where we put “Others First.” Paul says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” What is Jesus’ mindset? He considers what we need, before His own needs. He had every reason to fight for His right to live (he was truly righteous), instead He gave His life, so that we might live. Just think of what this world would look like if everyone thought of others before themselves! So, let’s try it on, clothe ourselves with humility toward one another!
Humbly your brother in Christ,
Pastor Vern