“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”.

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried”. G.K. Chesterton

Peter was addressing the elders responsible for overseeing and instructing the believers and new converts. He instructs them to be earnest in their undertaking— to lead from a place of genuine love and care for those God had entrusted to them. He admonishes them not to lord their position of authority over any of these. Basically, don’t take advantage of the least of these in any way. Neither were they to carry out this sacred calling hoping to make a buck—looking for some “opportune” opening to fleece the flock and line their proverbial pockets. He was also admonishing both the new believer as well as the elder to be submissive one toward another—humble. Reminding them that pride comes before destruction… “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” –1 Peter 5:2-3.

Perhaps this admonition was born from Peter’s own failures to do this very thing. Staying low—being humble?

Not that Peter ever stole from those he led. Nor did he lead them from a place other than a heart of genuine love and sacrificial service. Scripture certainly attest to this. He didn’t take advantage of his flock—rather, like his Master, he gave his life leading them towards the One he willingly died for. There was however a moment in Peter’s early walk with God that pride was a like, “a stone in his shoe”. Something that hindered his walk with God. Pride had caused Peter to sin. To deny knowing the One he left everything for—the One he undoubtedly loved above all else.

Peter was speaking from experience to all those gathered. It’s what added meat to the bones of his words. Making them so believable—so easy to receive.

G.K. Chesterton, a writer and lay-theologian, best known for his fictional character, Father Brown, was once asked, “what’s wrong with the world?” He bypassed the answers the author of said article thought surely would be tops on his list of probable responses: Flourishing wickedness, corrupt politicians, crime, unjust laws, or warring nations. Rather than any of these, Chesterton gave the reporter a simple two-word answer that left him slack-jawed! “I am”.

I am responsible…

Peter had learned what Chesterton had professed. And, he had learned it the hard way. Pride had caused him to fall. And it was a hard fall indeed. Peter was well acquainted with the undeserved grace of God. He knew first-hand of the power of Love and forgiveness, of unearned mercy. “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you. “Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep” John 21:15-17.

Peter knew, in the depths of his soul, that whatever authority he and these elders had, had been given them as a gift from God; as was everything else they had. Even unto their very breath. It is from this place of being intimately acquainted with humility that Peter can offer-up these kernels of hard-won wisdom to the elders, to us. Leading them and us towards this realization that like himself, we each, will one day have to give an account of our service, our very lives, to Jesus.

It is as we walk in subjection to Him who is meek and lowly in heart that we can appreciate the preciousness of that grace which He gives to the humble. Pride is a barrier to all spiritual progress.

Being acquainted with this Truth, like any good dad, Peter poured out Truth after Truth into those that he loved—spiritual children entrusted to his care. Instructing them to: 1.) Remain humble. Don’t let the favor of God on your life allow you to get all puffed up. Seek God first. All else will come. 2.) Do all that you do from a pure and loving heart. Do it out of obedience to the One who has called you into His service. 3.) Don’t lord your position over those that have been entrusted to your care. Remember as quickly as the Lord gives, He too will take away. 4.) Guard your heart. You have an enemy that is always looking for a way to take you out. Even if that means taking out one that’s been given to you in order that he wound you to gain access into you. 5.) Repent quickly. Don’t give your enemy a crack in which to slither into. Humble yourself before God. He is faithful to forgive those who repent with a sincere heart. And the lessons went on and on until he had finished his race.

Peter, likening himself an equal to those he’d been entrusted with, faithfully fed them spiritual food that they’d  be made strong in the Lord and the power of His might. And, that they, you, and I, might remember his instructions on responsibility, submission, and humility in our hour of testing;when Satan asks to sift us. Peter knew that hour would come for us all. You can almost hear this “fisher of men” reminding us to stay low. To trust God only. Telling us that Jesus will lift us up in due season, if we’ll but humble ourselves under His Mighty hand. We are to take the lowly place of unquestioning submission to the will of God now, knowing on the authority of His Word that in the day of manifestation He will take note of all we have endured for His name’s sake, and He will then give abundant reward.

Friend, This Word came to examine me first. Causing me to bow low before the One who knows my tomorrow. Won’t you ask Him to search your heart and if He reveals anything within it that is not of Him—humble yourself, and repent. Confident that He is a good Father who is faithful to forgive.

And if you’re here today and have not asked Jesus into your heart—do it now. Don’t let another hour pass. Ask Him to forgive those sins you know are there—and those you are not aware of. He is faithful to forgive you—if, you’ll humble yourself before Him and ask sincerely…