1 Peter 5:5 - 6

“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,” (1 Peter 5:5-6 ESV). Likewise points us back to what we are to be like. In those previous verses, Peter instructs the elders to shepherd the flock of God in subjection to God and to do it eagerly and not for personal gain. They are to carry out their assignment in humility, not with a domineering attitude. Those who are younger are to likewise carry out their assignment in humility, in subjection to their ruling elders.

“Elders” in verse 5 does not refers to older men, but to those assigned the job of shepherding the flock of which the younger is part of. It is to those leaders the younger is to be subject to in humility. I believe Peter singles out young men with the instruction to submit because of their tendency to be independent and do things their way. Peter then instructs the flock to take effort, like putting on clothing, to be humble. In Romans 12:10 (ESV), Paul instructs us to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” In additional to expressing humility in this way, we are to “[submit] to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 ESV).

Since God resists the proud, becoming his enemy, we need to repent and in humility receive his grace. Humility is an expression of a submissive spirit to one another and to God. Failure to do so will meet with resistance from God, but to the humble he will exalt in due time. Some think that due time is during this lifetime. That may be true to a very limited extent, but in the context of 1 Peter, that exaltation will come when we receive our inheritance in heaven.

Prayer

Father, with this lesson in mind, I think back to my college days and my pride, which to me was like an addiction that needed to be reined back. It has been a constant work of progress, believing that you will conform me into the image of your Son Jesus Christ. I continue to be reminded of this effort when my flesh reaches out for attention, only to be met by your resistance. I pray that my readers and I will put forth more effort to be clothed with humility.