WALK IN HUMILITY

“…and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” – 1 Peter 5:5b

To walk in perfection is to WALK IN HUMILITY: “…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Pet.5:5). Humility is …. God promotes and exalts the humble, but resists the proud (Jam. 4:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is our Model in Humility: He “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil.2:7-8). Jesus had the choice to have stuck to His “status” as the Son of God, but He humbled Himself and was obedient even unto death. The Father therefore exalted and bestowed upon His Son the highest authority: “the name above every name” (Phil.2:9).

Let’s examine our meditation text more closely (vv.5-7). Here are four key points:

Be clothed with humility: The word “clothed” refers to a scarf or apron that was typically worn by servants. But servanthood does not equate servitude or conforming to everybody’s wishes in a bid to appear humble. No, you’re not meant to try to please everyone else or to meet all of their expectations at the detriment of God’s Will for your own life. What He demands is that you be who He called you to be, and be willing to serve others as the opportunity arises. Humility is not for eye-service!

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble: this means that humility is beneficial to the humble. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; but thinking of yourself less and putting others first: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Rom.12:3). Humility is to know your place as a member of Christ’s body and bloom therein.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God: Throughout Scripture, God’s “mighty hand” signifies two things: His hand of discipline and of deliverance. And we need both. Humility then infers that in submitting to God’s discipline, we’ll experience His deliverance always. And beyond deliverance is exaltation, elevation or promotion “in due time”!

Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you” The fourth point – casting all anxieties on Him – addresses one of humanity’s core concerns: that if we don’t look out for ourselves, no other person will. But if we really believe God “cares” for us we need not worry about serving our own interest. It’s humility to admit that you cannot meet all of your own needs all by yourself: you need God and other destiny-helpers.

David is an Old Testament example of exaltation through walking in Humility. Although he had been anointed to be king over Israel, he never spoke evil of King Saul who was after his life. Even when he had the opportunity to kill Saul, David said: “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD” (1 Sam.24:6). It took a heart of humility for him to still refer to Saul as “my master.” David eventually became Israel’s greatest king and one who God described as “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). What an honour to be testified of by Almighty God!

As you walk in humility through the enabling Grace of the Indwelling Holy Spirit, God will definitely promote, elevate, and exalt you at His appointed time, in His appointed place, and by His appointed means. Eschew arrogance and pride. Refuse to be puffed up or think you’re better than others. As you follow Christ, walk in humility, which is the path of Greatness!