1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility… The image of the "clothing" — a word which is used only in this place in the Bible — is thought to have reference to a particular kind of white vestment which used to be worn by slaves. And it was made very long and large, that it might cover not only all the other dress, but the whole figure; and so it may be considered that the believer, remembering well that he is the follower of Him who "came not to be ministered unto but to minister," should place all he has and all he is under the folds of a mantling "humility," and array himself in a servile robe. But let me caution you not to think that "the clothing of humility" has anything to do with that robe of which the Bible speaks as "the wedding garment." It has nothing to do with it, except that God invariably makes this the lining for that. That is something from without a man; this is from within. That is saving; this is evidential. Now I am persuaded that the first way to grow humble is to be sure that you are loved. The education of almost any child will teach you that if you treat that child harshly, you will make his little heart stubborn and proud; but if he feels that you love him, he will gradually take a gentler tone. So it is with the education through which we are all passing to the life to come. The first thing God does with His child is to make the child feel that He loves him. There is nothing which will stoop a man into the dust like the gentle pressure of the feeling "I am loved." The forgiven David, the woman at Jesus's feet, Peter under the look, John in the bosom. Let me advise you further. If you desire to cultivate that posture of mind, accustom yourself, force yourself to do acts of humiliation — whatever is most against your natural taste. There is a still deeper feeling without which you will never have on that "robe of humility" — you must often sit and receive the droppings of the Holy Ghost. You must meditate with open eye on the meek, humble face of Jesus. You must be in union with Christ. There is a false "humility" than which none can be more destructive to the character. It is of three kinds. There is "humility" of external things — in a mortification of the body. But it is a cloak, not a robe — a look, a posture, a ceremony. There is another counterfeit which Satan makes and calls "humility." It is what St. Paul calls in his Epistle to the Colossians a "voluntary humility" — people thinking themselves unworthy to come to God. And there are those who do not know it, but who, like Peter, are under an appearance of "humility," indulging contemptuous pride. "Thou shalt never wash my feet." "I am not good enough to be saved. I am not worthy to come to the Lord's Supper. I cannot believe God loves me." (J. Vaughan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. |
    |