NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

BE HUMBLE (1 PETER 2:18-21)

REFLECTION
The theme for our reflection is “Be humble” To be humble means having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance. We shall reflect on the fact that to be humble we must first fear or have reverence for God and follow Jesus’ example of humility. In other words, the root or source of a believer’s humility is his or her fear or reverence for God and his or her willingness to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved in the Lord, when we have reverence for God we become humble in nature when dealing with other people. It is for this reason Peter admonished Christian slaves or subordinates, “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh…To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:18,21). In other words, in a master-servant relationship, a Christian servant is required to be humble so that his or her discipleship or faith as a Christian is not questioned. Slavery was not illegal in ancient times. Slaves were bought or owned as one’s economic and household property. They were expected to be submissive to their masters. In fact, there were laws that prohibited insurrection and harshly dealt with disobedient or rebellious slaves. Peter admonishes Christian slaves to be humble in all situations. This humility must not be superficial but must be occasioned by their reverence for God and following the examples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul gave a similar admonishment when he wrote “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:22-24)

Dear friend, in our current dispensation, slavery has been abolished yet we still have a master-servant relationship existing in the world of work. Christian servants, subordinates or workers must be humble at their workplaces and wherever they are expected to serve and be productive. The aim is to project Jesus Christ and be different from all other servants. We may not always have appreciative, good and respectful bosses or superiors at work yet in such situations, we are enjoined to be humble, respectful, diligent and give our best. Again, some bosses or superiors will appreciate our humility, submissiveness and hard work yet others will remain unappreciative, harsh and even abuse our humility and submissiveness. There are times when some subordinates retaliate by making their superiors and their positions unpopular. There are times when subordinates deliberately cause harm to their superiors by conspiring and working towards the collapse of their superior’s business. What should be our attitude towards a boss or superior who is harsh, unappreciative and disrespectful towards us? In answering this question, we must first ask ourselves, what will be Jesus’ response to a harsh, vindictive and disrespectful boss or superior? Jesus’ response will be “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) . Dear friend it takes the willingness to do the will of God out of reverence for Him and the willingness to follow Jesus’ example of unconditional love and forgiveness if we are to remain humble and submissive as a servant or a subordinate.

It is important to note that Jesus teaches both Christian superiors and servants to be humble. The fact that you are superior or boss at your workplace does not mean that you must be arrogant, abusive and disrespectful towards your subordinates. The good news is that God rewards humility and submissiveness, hence Jesus assures us that “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12). Again, Peter greatly reminds us that “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5-7)

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Be humble” We have discovered that the root or source of a believer’s humility is from his or her fear or reverence for God and his or her willingness to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit grant us the spirit of humility so that in all things we shall project the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and give glory to God. Amen.