I have never been one to go with the current or popular fashion trends. I do not pay too much attention to the latest news in clothing. I do, however, like the style of bowties and fadoras. When it comes down to it, whether or not we favor a particular style, we wear something. We clothe ourselves. This analogy works in our inner lives as well. After exhorting his fellow elders to shepherd the people of God in the midst of suffering, the Apostle Peter turns his face toward those younger. In a general sense, too, what he is about to say applies to all who are under the leadership God has entrusted the church with. The command we see to those younger in the faith and in life is they are to submit to the leadership of the church. In an autonomous and individualized culture, the word submission is an ugly word. The church, though, is called to be counter-cultural. A great example of this is my friend Katelyn. Recently, she made the comment her pastor preaches both biblically and boldly. He preaches with biblical conviction and Christlike compassion. Her response to his leadership was and is willing submission. Why? Because when the pastors of the church are shepherding in accordance with the Word of God, then to submit to their godly leadership is a beautiful thing. Still, as those who struggle with sin, we do not like to always submit. That is why humility is required. In order to submit to those in authority, we must be humble. In our salvation, we need to be humbled, resulting in repentance of our sins and trust in Christ for salvation because we cannot save ourselves. This humility is not something that we need to have every so often but, rather, something we need every day of our lives. That is why Peter puts it in the terms of verse 5, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another”. The permanent fashion style and trend for the Christian is humility. Humility is seen in a person who is willing to submit to godly leadership and is a reflection of those who have been given the grace of God. Not only is humility made known in submitting to church leadership; humility is made known in casting sufferings and anxieties on God. We cannot handle life on our own. We are not self-sufficient. When we face hardships and sufferings in this life, we can be overwhelmed. Instead of trying to deal with it in our own power, which is pride, we need to humble ourselves and depend on the power and character of God. He is the One who is mighty and He is One who cares for us. Therefore, we humble ourselves by depending on Him. We humble ourselves by submitting to godly leadership. That is how we clothe ourselves in humility.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you clothe yourself in humility this week by submitting to godly leadership?
- How can you clothe yourself in humility this week by casting your anxieties and worries on the mighty and powerful God who cares for you?
Entrusted By GOD Ministries 