“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Somebody quipped, “The trouble with success is that the formula is the same as the one for a nervous breakdown.” The Bible gives us the real formula for successful living. It encompasses three areas: authority, attitude, and assurance. “Accept the authority of the elders … humble yourselves under the mighty power of God … Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Let’s look at each of the three areas:
- Submit yourself to those who are wise. Listen to their counsel, become accountable, accept reproof, take suggestions, respect experience, and follow a worthy example. Only when you can take advice will you be qualified to give it. Only when you respect and submit to leadership will you be qualified to lead others.
- Humble yourself. In Scripture the “hand” of God symbolizes two things: His discipline and His deliverance. When you humble yourself before Him, you’re accepting His discipline as being for your good. You’re also acknowledging His willingness to answer your cry for help and deliver you by whatever means He chooses.
- Throw yourself on God’s mercy and care. Trouble and disappointment will surely come, and when they do you need to throw yourself on the Lord. The situation may be too big for you, but it’s never too big for Him.
Does that mean there’s no place for planning, goal-setting, and hard work? No, it just means you’re willing to do things God’s way, which is always best.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me accept authority, humble myself, and turn over to You all my worries. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
