“…be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility…” (1 Peter 5:5).
The word humility in Scripture means “humbleness of mind.” It’s a character quality that can best be summarized by Romans 12:3: “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly…” An excellent example of humility is found in the words of the prophet Samuel when he addressed King Saul: “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel?” (1 Sam. 15:17). “Little in your own eyes” is a wonderful description of a humble person, but humility is not popular in our world because humility only thrives in a society that honors God. When God is dishonored then humility is despised and belittled, and man’s sinful pride is exalted. And because our world is hostile to God, humility is ridiculed by our society. Nevertheless, Scripture calls every believer to “be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
This text is completely foreign to our culture, but it’s absolutely essential in the Christian life if we are going to glorify Christ and live as salt of the earth and light for a perishing world. Notice what Peter says: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another…” One key element to a life of humility is submission. A person who is unwilling to submit to others is a person filled with pride, and this is contrary to the virtue of humility. You see, an attitude of submission is produced by an attitude of humility, and true humility is demonstrated in two particular ways: obedience to God’s Word and esteeming others better than yourself.
On the other hand, a non-submissive, rebellious attitude is produced by pride, and pride is manifested by a person who rebels against God’s Word and views other people as lower than himself. The word “clothed” in our text literally means to tie something on with a knot. What Peter has in mind is the work apron of a slave, which was put on over the outer clothes to keep them clean. It became the word for putting on humble service. So Peter is saying, ‘Clothe yourself in a garment of humble service by putting on the apron of a slave and serving others.’ To clothe yourself with humility is to put on the attitude of lowly-mindedness, which is best exemplified by Jesus in John 13:3-5: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” And Scripture says to every believer: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5). Remember also the words of Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Christian, how are you doing with your walk of humility? Are you endeavoring to keep on continually being clothed with humility, which is nothing other than Christ-likeness? Pray the Holy Spirit strengthens you every day for a walk of faith that glorifies Christ … a simple walk of humble service towards God and your neighbor.