Humility Exalted (1 Peter 5:1-5)
Reflection
The theme for our reflection is “Humility Exalted.” This phrase encapsulates a profound paradox at the heart of Christian living: that true elevation in rank, honour, or spiritual standing (exaltation) is achieved not through self-promotion, but through modesty, prioritising others, and having a low view of one’s own importance (humility). Self-abasement, a deliberate act of submission to God, leads to genuine greatness, while pride precipitates a downfall. We shall reflect on the vital truth that God is pleased with and exalts us when we humble ourselves, both as leaders and members of the church.
I. The Humility of Servant Leaders
Beloved in the Lord, it is an absolute necessity for leaders, or elders, in the church to remain humble, for it is only through humility that they can effectively serve God’s flock. Peter strongly admonishes the elders: “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).
Indeed, all church leaders receive a powerful charge: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). A church leader cannot be truly productive or Christ-like unless they possess the humility of Jesus Christ himself: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).
This vital humility must be evident in every aspect of a leader’s life—their speech, conduct, attire, and, crucially, their relationship with church members. We are told in John 13:12-15, “When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Beloved in the Lord, Leaders must always be humble and resist the temptation to become pompous, conceited, power-drunk, vindictive, or demanding personal allegiance. Instead, they must be humble shepherds and clear signposts, guiding people toward Jesus alone. To be called to be a leader or shepherd is a rare privilege. It is for this reason, Jesus taught us to be humble in serving God and the church, and after we are done serving, we should learn to say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” (Luke 17:10) Peter reminds church leaders of the incomparable reward for servant-leadership when he writes: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
II. The Exaltation of Humble Members
Secondly, as members of the church, we are equally required to humble ourselves if we genuinely seek to please God and be exalted. Peter extends his admonition to the general membership: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6).
The general membership must actively guard against pride and any acts of insubordination or willful opposition toward the established church leadership. Members must obey their elders, pastors, catechists and presbyters and respond positively to their leadership—especially in matters of spiritual and moral teaching, nurturing, and guidance. The church must strive for discipline and follow the instructions of pastors and elders, provided their actions are founded on Biblical truth, sound doctrine, and established church policies and constitution. We are ultimately exalted by God as the reward for our humility toward Him and toward those He has entrusted with the sacred work of shepherding the church.
📝 Summary
The message of 1 Peter 5:1-5 is an urgent call for mutual humility throughout the church. Both church leaders and general members are profoundly admonished to be humble, for God is consistently pleased with, and promises to exalt, those who submit themselves to His mighty hand. Humility is not a weakness; it is the divinely appointed, paradoxical pathway to true and lasting greatness.
🙏 A Prayer for Humility
Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging that we often struggle with the sin of pride, desiring our own way and seeking our own glory. We pray for the gift of true humility, which flows from the heart of Jesus Christ, our ultimate servant-leader.
For our leaders: Grant them the grace to serve Your flock willingly, not for personal gain or control, but as genuine, Christ-like examples. Protect them from the allure of power and conceit, and empower them to shepherd with integrity and selfless love.
For the members: Clothe us with humility toward one another and toward our elders. Help us to submit with respect, to guard against insubordination, and to recognise the authority You have placed in our midst.
May we all humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, trusting fully in Your perfect timing, that in due season, You may lift us up and grant us the unfading crown of glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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