January 5, humbled and lifted up
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." I Peter 5:6
Many times, we react to situations in life based on what feels right to us or based on what we would consider "normal." We often respond to matters in life because of ideologies we have formed in our minds, or because of values that are very personal to us. Such influences may at times serve us well. But many times, these influences are simply “copies” of the world around us. We are tempted to see something, say something, post something, buy something, do something, share something, or chase after something because that particular "something" serves us (our interests and imposed importance). But, have you ever considered that every morning we awaken, we are vulnerable to conform to some pattern of this world? We are vulnerable to prioritize and exalt self unless we relentlessly seek after God and His way for our daily steps. C. S. Lewis once observed, “humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
Consider this real-life situation from the Bible. In I Peter 5, instruction was given to encourage proper relationships within the church. The problem that necessitated such instruction seemed to be both a lack of good leadership from those who were elders, and an absence of respect from those who were younger. The solution given leveled this problem and brought a common pursuit: everyone, humble yourselves in the sight of God.
The culture had influenced the behavior of the church (as proven in I Peter 5:2-3). As it was then, so it stands now: humbling oneself under God’s mighty hand represents the greatest deterrent to cultural influences. If we truly desire to avoid responding to life as the world often dictates, we must humble ourselves before God. We must see ourselves under His mighty hand (meaning under His loving rule and reign). This can become a reality as we spiritually posture ourselves in the following ways:
when we truly submit to God in genuine obedience (especially in those areas of life we have desired to control)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
when we resolve that Christ and His identity come first in every area of our lives
“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)
when we gladly relinquish our importance for the sake of others
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:4)
when we truly see ourselves as fully dependent upon God's grace for all of our knowing, believing, and doing (our whole identity as a servant of Christ)
For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (I Corinthians 4:7)
So today, in the purest sense of the word, humble yourself before your God by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
God loves you. He has incredible plans for you. He has proven this through giving you His Son. Begin this day humbled under the beauty and greatness of our God. The world's influence - including personal pride, cannot get to you when you are under His mighty hand.
Blessings in Christ!
Read I Peter 5:1-11 today and be blessed in your place under God's hand.