GRACIOUS GUIDANCE
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.
1 Peter 5:5-6 (NLT)
If you're anything like me, you were taught growing up to respect your elders. This was one of the core tenets of our household. Parents and grandparents were obvious, but this expectation extended to teachers, coaches and even strangers we met in public. But a funny thing happens as you get a little bit older yourself. You can begin to denigrate and dismiss those older than you. What do they know? Their time has come and gone. The world has changed— what wisdom could I possibly glean from them?
Quite a lot, actually.
While the world may want to dismiss those who have gone before, we, as Christ followers, should be looking to soak up as much wisdom and knowledge from elder believers as we possibly can. All of us, adults included, have someone God can use to teach us and humble us. None of us are perfect on this side of glory, so we must be open to the idea of God using others to continue to shape, mold and refine us.
Who is mentoring you? Shepherding you? Who is walking alongside you with intentionality in your journey with Jesus? Are you being discipled? Are you even open to that idea? Pride can sneak in and lead you to believe that you don't need anyone else. But Christian community is not just a need; it's a beautiful gift. If we stubbornly insist on going our own way, I fear that our pride will lead us at least to stagnation if not full-on destruction.
Let us endeavor to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another, walking in mutual edification as the Body of Christ.
APPLICATION: Who can you humbly approach to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus? None of us are so advanced that we've moved beyond the need for intentional Proverbs 27:17 relationships. Ask God to give you the courage and conviction to take a step in this area.
PRAYER: God, help me to live fully surrendered and submitted to Your authority. Surround me with wise believers who can speak truth, love and life over me. Grant me the humility to yield. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?