'One Another' Series - Clothe Yourselves With Humility Towards One Another

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

This year, in these podcasts, I am focusing upon the “One Another” scriptures found in the New Testament as viewed through the lens of leadership. 

Today’s episode comes from 1 Peter, chapter 5; the last portion of verse 5 and all of verse 6. 

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

There is much for us to apply, to put into action, in this short passage.

Firstly, the apostle Peter instructs us to “clothe yourselves”.  This is an action step; it is something about which we must be intentional.  To “clothe” implies that we must put on humility.  We must wear it like a garment.  Good and godly leaders choose to model servant leadership.

Secondly, Peter explains why this is the Lord’s desired behavior for us.  He “opposes the proud.”  Leaders, if we want God’s favor, then we must be humble before him and before others. If we act out of our own ego; if our “leadership” is motivated by personal gain or fame, this is something God cannot bless.  Rather, we will face His opposition.

There’s a rather strange expression in Acts 26:14 when Paul (formerly Saul) was recounting his experience on the way to Damascus.  He was told by a voice from heaven (the text is in red letters indicating it was Christ Jesus speaking to him).  “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” One commentary explains this expression thusly. “To ‘kick against the goads’ is nothing less than an exercise in vanity; futile and pointless. Paul had to learn the hard way that resistance to Jesus was a losing battle — hopeless.”

Similarly, if we fail to submit ourselves “under God’s mighty hand” we will find ourselves, like Saul, in opposition to the Lord and His desires for our lives. 

Finally, I greatly appreciate the way that Peter concludes this passage.  There is a reward for our humble obedience.  “That he may lift you up in due time.  I found this phrase “due time” to be interesting, so I did some research.  It comes from the Greek word “kairo” which is used 86 times in the Bible and means, “fitting season, opportunity, or occasion … the proper time.”

As we are humble with one another and before the Lord, at just the right time He will lift us up. And we can trust that His timing for that is always perfect.  

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.