Stay Small

"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

— 1 Peter 5:5-6

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Peter has concluded writing to the elders of the church and how they are to shepherd God's flock willingly, eager to serve, and being an example. Now he turns his attention to those who are younger and calls them to live in the same way as they submit to their elders—voluntarily coming under their leadership. Younger leaders are to come under their elder shepherds willingly. They should be eager to serve. They, too, should be an example. Everyone, Peter says, should clothe themselves with humility toward one another. 

The image he creates is of a slave putting on his apron as he prepares to serve others. I think of You, Jesus, wrapping the towel around Yourself as You prepared to wash the disciples' feet. We are to clothe ourselves with humility as we serve one another. I must be dressed with an attitude of humility as I serve those You have called me to. I do this because if I attempt to serve with an attitude of pride or have pride in my heart, I will meet up against God's resistance. He will actively resist me. Think of that, the God of the universe is actively placing obstacles in my path as He resists my pride in order to bring me to a place of humble surrender. When I choose to be humble, as Proverbs 3:34 states, that is when I receive God's favor.

Therefore, I must stay small under God's mighty hand. Not living a small life, but staying small in my attitude. Not thinking less of myself, but thinking of myself less. In due time, at just the right moment, the mighty hand of God will lift me up.

Lord Jesus, today I choose to clothe myself with humility as I serve those around me. Help me act in ways that align with that attitude. Help me stay small under God's mighty hand. I know that at just the right time, You'll lift me up to where I need to be.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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