“all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” 1 Peter 5:5-9.
Humility hardly seems to be a prized quality but, in recent studies by psychologists, it is touted as “not the boldest of personality traits, but it’s an important one.” Studies even indicate that it is “a remarkable character trait …Humility can produce more happiness, positive emotions, and well-being because a person has a clearer understanding of the self.”
Personal benefits aside, our Creator Father places a premium on humility. It is the pathway of grace, whereas pride is fiercely resisted by Him. The way of peace and grace is humility.
Humility extends empathy and compassion to others. It also assesses our inability to manage our cares and concerns, and directs us to cast them on our compassionate Father. Additionally, humility is key in an awareness of the dangers of the spiritual battles that rage around us. Pride puffs us up with a false sense of fitness for combatting the devil and his schemes. Through humility, we bear up under spiritual warfare, and share in the sufferings of others in the family of God undergoing similar experiences.
The priority of humility, elaborated by the apostle Peter, is in sharp contrast that his former way of life. Known for impulsive action, arrogant posturing, and prideful assertions, he obviously learned the way of humility through the failures of pride. His example speaks almost as loudly as his words. There are lessons to be learned from his example and words - today, and every day.
©Steve Taylor, 2025 --Used by permission
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