Clothed with Humility

And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5b)

As I encountered this passage this week, the phrase “God stands against the proud” jumped out at me. I had heard this idea from scripture before. Similar ideas can be found in James 4:6 and Proverbs 3:34. Although a familiar sentiment, this idea seemed jolting this week. It almost seems like the opposite of God’s character at first glance.

Shouldn’t it say, “God is patient with the proud?” or “God loves the proud?” These passages make it clear that God actually works against the proud.

I think pride is something we modern Christians find challenging to recognize in ourselves. But at its heart pride says to God and the world, I can do this on my own. I can manage without God or without other people.

In the context of this passage, these references to pride are applied to those who lead. There are many examples in our modern world of leaders who lead from a position of pride. However, the scriptures call us to just the opposite. Peter continues in verse six.

6 Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. 7 Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. 8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be power forever and always. Amen.

 (1 Peter 5:6-11)

This passage reminds us the call on the Christian, and especially the Christian leader, is to assume a humble posture. Humility is a key characteristic that sets a Christian apart from the world. The world declares, “I’ll do it my way.” And “I am enough.” But for the Christian we are reminded and called to always “humble ourselves under God’s power so that he may raise [us] up.”

I’m not sure why the Lord brought this verse to my attention this week. Maybe I needed a reminder, perhaps you need a reminder, that God will stand against us if we assume a posture of pride. Conversely, when we humble ourselves God will lift us up.

Will you pray this prayer with me?

Lord help us to trust in you with all our hearts;

For you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength,
you never disown those who make their boast about your mercy;

This is our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen. (Based on the Collect for Proper 18 from the Book of Common Prayer)

-Pastor Shawn