Roman was a big kid. In 5th grade, Roman played whatever sport Roman wanted to play, at whatever position he wanted to play. Not only was he tall, but he was strong and incredibly fast. The ultimate rule of whatever pick-up game we played on the playground was: BE ON ROMAN’S TEAM! I’ve always been one up for a challenge, so I made sure to be on the opposite team of Roman for many contests. I’m sure I won a few (even though I have no actual recollection of this, but, hey… everyone gets lucky once in a while!), but most of our matches were met with incredible opposition, as Roman had his way on the blacktop.
Peter today reminds us that to NOT walk in humility would be to stand not on the other side of Roman, but in opposition to God Himself.
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
Humility is not just a good idea, or something for the front of a Mother’s Day card; no, it is to be THE very way we walk out our identity as Sons and Daughters of God. I want to be on the same side of the Kingdom as God. (I know that He is ALWAYS going to win!) Take a brief pause for a moment. Would someone close to you – a spouse, child, parent, friend, or co worker – describe you as humble?
As this stay at home order continues on, many people have varying opinions about the right direction for our country, our state, and our local communities. Take one look on your social media and you’ll find people arguing over the best course of action. It’s nearly impossible (outside of hindsight) to discern future outcomes correctly. But we can certainly assess our level of humility NOW! I identify with what Lead Pastor Isaac said on Sunday,
“I want to be in a place of sustenance from the Lord. I want to eat from his table, to consume of his power—and this comes from our humility.”
Lead Pastor Isaac Hovet
We need God’s grace more than we need the affirmation of being correct. As you read today, allow Peter’s invitation to humility invite you into a posture of receiving. With so much unknown today about what our future holds, we can easily begin to grasp for control, power, and normalcy, but Peter invites us to receive. Receive His grace today.
As a reminder:
- Find a quiet place and read the SCRIPTURE of the day. Read it again. Read it slowly. Read it out loud!
- What OBSERVATIONS did you make? What does this passage teach you about God or yourself? Are there any calls to action? Do you have any questions?
- How will you make APPLICATION of this scripture and live your life differently today in light of what you just read? Be specific!
- Let it marinate. Take some time for PRAYER – thank God, confess any shortcomings, and ask to be empowered. Sit for a few moments and see if God has anything else for you.
Here is our passage for the day:
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:5-7 (NLT)