Living Hope Day 18

Living Hope Day 18 Reading:

1 Peter 5:5-7

Ponder

Humility. It’s the opposite of pride or arrogance, but in today’s society, I think we’re often taught to regard humility as weakness. In our “hustle” culture, we often equate humility with letting others run right over you or an inability to self-promote. 

But in Jesus’ upside-down kingdom, humility is a characteristic believers are called to cultivate as they submit to and serve each other. That’s the point Peter stressed as he turned his focus to “younger” believers in 1 Peter 5:5-7. Let’s explore what these verses teach us about humility: 

• Humility is tied to submission. In the previous verses, Peter had exhorted elders to serve the church not for their own gain or power, but to please God, understanding that they have been called to guard the believers God had entrusted to them. Elders are not to “lord over” the churches they lead, and, likewise, believers are to submit to those in authority over them. That doesn’t mean that church leaders are always right or that they should be followed without question, but it does mean that church members are focused on the good of the church rather than off-handed offenses or always getting their own way. 

• The church should be characterized by mutual service. Rather than serving “important” members and ignoring believers who don’t seem to have much to offer (in terms of power, money or the things the world values), believers should devote themselves to serving one another. Respect older believers who are further along on the journey of faith than you are. Listen to younger Christians. Set aside your pride, acknowledging that you can learn from others no matter who they are. 

• Humility is recognizing your need for God. We live in a prideful world, and admitting that you can’t do something probably isn’t something many of us like to do. But humility is the beginning of our journey of faith. You have to be humble to admit that you can’t do it on your own, that you need a Savior. At the same time, it’s also the characteristic that begins to shape our lives as we grow in faith and maturity. To live a faithful life means admitting again and again that you are a sinner in need of a Savior who chooses to rely on the Spirit’s strength and God’s provision rather than your own skills, gifts, talents or goodness.

• Worry can be a symptom of pride. I’m a worrier. If there’s a what-if to worry about, I’ll likely think of it—and wake up in the middle of the night with my heart and mind in turmoil as I wrestle with it. When I try to handle all my worries, stresses and daily burdens by myself, I’m stating what I believe: that God can’t handle them. When I submit those things to him and trust him to work in those situations, I am humbling myself before a holy God and trusting that he is faithful to do what he has said. 

Journal

• Take a good look at your life right now. Would you say it’s characterized more by humility or by pride? Why? 

• What steps can you take this week to choose humility over pride? How can you focus more on the good of the church rather than getting your way? Who can you actively choose to serve? Who has God placed in your life that you can learn from? 

• Think about your life right now. How is God inviting you to recognize your need for him in your current situation or circumstances? What steps will you take to trust him to work rather than relying on your own strength, skills, intelligence or power? 

• What are the signs that you’re trying to find a solution of your own rather than trusting God? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways you’re trusting in yourself rather than seeking God’s leadership and strength. 

• What worries are you currently facing? Pray over each one, lifting them to God in prayer and asking him to help you trust him in all things.