“… you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, DRESS YOURSELVES IN HUMILITY as you relate to one another, for “God OPPOSES (antitassomai: battle’s against) the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will LIFT YOU UP in honor. Give ALL your worries and cares to God, for He cares (meló: paying attention to needs of) about you.” (1 Peter 5:5-7)
The thing we do not want to do is go to battle with the Lord God Almighty but that is what happens when we get all full of pride WILL! Pride is a sin that has been the cause of tremendous misery throughout human history. And all people, whatever their background, upbringing or culture, are by nature full of pride. We as a people just have a tendency to think more highly of ourselves than we should. Paul said, “…by the grace given me I say to every one of you: DO NOT THINK OF YOURSELF MORE HIGHLY THAN YOU OUGHT, but rather think of yourself with sober (sōphroneō: to curb one’s passions) judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Rom. 12:3) Sometimes when knowledgeable people look in the mirror, they’re tempted to see someone with a powerful brain that rarely needs help. But the mirror of God’s Word reveals that we have a deceitful and desperately sick heart that needs daily rescue “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9) So, here is what we need to do! “…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Give all your worries and cares to God, for HE CARES ABOUT YOU.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham