Today we will look at what the word humility means. Again our study verse is 1 Peter 5:5: "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." The word "humility" means lowminded, base, lowly, and humble. It is having a lowliness of mind and the esteeming of ourselves small. I want you to notice that humility starts in the mind. Yesterday, we saw that humility has observable actions. None of those actions will take place until true humility is in the mind. You will think humility before you act humility.
The Preachers Sermon and Outline Bible describes humility as: "Subjection takes concentration and effort. It takes a deliberate decision to subject to someone else. But this is just what Scripture is demanding. Every believer is unique to God and has a very special gift and contribution to make to the world and to the church. All believers are to subject themselves to one another, to each one's uniqueness and gift. All believers are to acknowledge, respect, and honor one another, all because of who each one is and because of the gift God has given each one of us." Humility is going to take some effort on our part becomes it goes against the way the world has instructed us from our youth. The world says to get ahead. Peter is telling us to let them go in front of you. Humility frees you from so much conflict in the mind. We are to humble the way Jesus Christ was humble. He washed the disciples feet but never lost His authority. Remember that humility will not interfere with God given authority. It is the genuine putting the needs of others before you.
Today, think humility. Let your mind meditate on the lowly Christ as He washed the disciples feet. Think about how He put others first in the way He lived, died and rose again. As you ponder His life, ask Him to make you humble. Then you choose to walk in humility by putting it on like a coat in cold weather. It will take an adjustment, but it is worth it.
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