Humble Pie

1 Peter 5:5&6

Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea ALL of you be subject one to another, and be clothed in humility. For GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD AND GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

I noted in the greek form of the word, to be "subject" to someone, means that we are to submit ourselves unto and obey when necessary.

I have to admit. I am a strong-willed child. Not in all things...but in many. When I read this verse, my mind thinks of that "elder" as not only having been and still holds true-toward my parents. It is also any boss that I have had when at a job. My elder has also been any teachers that I was under submission to. Any authority, really.

I am convicted that this "elder" has also been anyone that is "more mature" in the FAITH, and not necessarily someone older than me in age.

We are all at a different level in our walk with Christ.

I noted in the KJV, that Scripture clearly has, 'FOR GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD AND GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." I wondered why the writer capitalized that phrase? To make it stand out and get the reader's attention- in case it is skimmed-over without regard to the depths of its meaning?

What is it, to be "clothed in humility?" I am pierced to believe that I have way too many times, fully dressed out in my "puffed-up" clothes. You know the outfit. The one that says, "back off- you even try to get near THIS armour, and you will get hurt!" Maybe life experiences and past hurts have caused me to dress in such apparel...I don't know.

I do know however, that if I don't decide to not only take those clothes off of me-but THROW THEM AWAY...I am in big trouble. Those many pieces of clothing that I "knitted together myself with my own crafty hands-" will be that which destroys me. Those clothes, will eat up my flesh. I feel suddenly raw from the thought of what I myself, have allowed into my life.

I'd rather have "grace" than God's "resistance," thank you very much. Most definitely.

My Pastor once showed us this illustration of the meaning of Grace:

G- God's

R- Riches

A- At

C- Christ's

E- Expense

All free to us, at our own asking- when we're genuine with God.

In order to be able to take in His Holy Goodness and for Christ to "exalt me," I must first clothe myself in humility. I am thinking that this humility thing...is opposite of everything that "I" have been doing. :-(

Humility (for me, individually), means that I should no longer believe that I am "right about everything." I have got to know that I have MUCH to learn, and allow those "elders" that are placed in my life, to teach me a few things- that I may be exalted in due time.

Humility, for me, is also a place where I am meek and lowly (as Jesus)...not haughty and proud. NOT self-sufficient. OUCH. That's a hard one.

I am the oldest child. I was raised to be self-sufficient. Don't get me wrong- that can have it's very good qualities. But, God. God wants us to be fully reliant on HIM.

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart

Lean not unto thine own understanding

In ALL WAYS acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes:Fear the Lord,

And depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel

And marrow to thy bones.

Guess if I acknowledge Him in ALL WAYS & seek His wisdom & not that of my own...I may be better humbled. More meek and lowly. More Christ-like.

Yeah. That's it.

I think I'll go eat some more "Humble Pie" (read my Bible), and get rid of some filthy clothes that need to be taken off-for good. I want to dress cleaner. Purer. Holier.

Help me Lord, to clothe myself in humility-each and every day. Forgive me, that I have not "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11), but that I have dressed myself in the filthy selfishness of pride. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me (Psa. 51:10). Thank you Lord, that Your promises are true and that I can COUNT ON THEM. Thank you SO much, for your GRACE.

What an Awesome Savior.

What a Wonderful GOD.