Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5
As a child, growing up it was very challenging for me to respect my elders, especially if I felt that they were wrong or not understanding me… I can recall as if it was yesterday how often I would become upset and feel a sense of anger toward those who thought that just because of their years upon this earth respect was due to them… There is no tougher situation that I have faced in this life, than to respect and submit to someone who I didn’t or don’t think deserves it… Rolling back 3 chapters in this book and looking at verse 9 you will find these words, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” The reason why I bring this verse to the forefront of our study today is because we are a chosen generation and called a peculiar people… Understand today that you are held to a higher standard, though others may talk about people and slander their brothers or sisters we are “chosen” to extend a hand to the needy and to not give way to our own vengeance… In walking this Christian journey remember that you are a “peculiar people,” this means that you will handle situations different then the norm and you will find happiness in things the world counts as useless…
This is the very reason why Jesus was able to call Judas “friend” even though he had come to betray Him, it’s the same reason why Jesus prayed for forgiveness on the cross and healed the soldier’s ear which had been cut off… The work we do on this earth is for the purpose of building God’s kingdom… We willingly submit knowing that there is power in submission… Christ submitted to the will of His father and received all power in heaven and on earth… We are called to remain humble and “be subject one to another” simply because we need each other… Fellowship in the body of Christ is important, when we face trials and tribulations we surround ourselves with people who can relate, understand and more important keep our focus on God instead of the storm we are facing… You must be “clothed with humility” because it is very easy to allow the enemy to lead us astray… When we are defiant we give place to ego, we give place self-righteousness and we give place to independence… All these characteristics lead us away from the will of God which is why Peter goes on to say, “…for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble…” In the body of Christ, we are called to remain humble and one of the biggest tests of our humility is remaining modest in the face of others or adversity…
I know that we have all heard the saying “respect your elders” and this is written in God’s word that we are to do that (hold your horses for those who are ready to pounce on your children or brothers and sisters in Christ); but notice what is written after that portion of scripture. “…all of you be subject one to another,” this means that even the elder must show respect and accountability to the younger. This is often overlooked, many people will say that I do not have to do this or that because I am 50 years old, I am your senior, I have been on this earth longer than you and have had or seen my share of days (sound familiar). We become so stubborn about our feelings, and when that happens pride sets in to the point that we will hurt others instead of helping others. In order to be a child of God and walk in Hs will we must show kindness and respect to those who are half our age, or may even be separated by two or three generations. This is not a (n) easy task, and again, this is why Peter says that we are to be clothed with humility. We have to keep ourselves grounded in God’s word and desires in order to carry out this directive recorded by Peter. If you seek to be humble, God will provide the things you need to obtain that level of humbleness so that you will be respected and be able to give respect to one another!
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