Thursday, October 26, 2017

I Peter 5: The Call To Humility

One of the most overlooked virtues is that of simple humility.

Humility is a uniquely Christian virtue in that the world does not see much use in it.  In fact, humility is often scorned and misunderstood because of its similarity to the word humiliation.  But humility actually encourages us to adopt a right view of ourselves and to recognize the need to put others and God ahead of our own interests.

Peter has some very instructive things to say about humility in I Peter 5.  To pastors/overseers, he says, "Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock."  To everyone, he says, "And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time."

Humility may not come naturally to us (otherwise, why would it need to be commanded/commended to us?).  Yet, according to the witness of Peter and numerous others in scripture, it is the best way to live a victorious Christian life!

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