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. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7

Can you really be a Christian without humility? I don’t think so, and I think its one of the fruits you can tell if someone is truly converted by the Holy Spirit in Christ or not (Matthew 7) Can you truly be a disciple of Christ without humility? Again I don’t see it because as it states throughout scripture “Pride leads to destruction” The whole concept of pride and ego is in total opposition of what Christ has required from us

Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) Notice Jesus said “If you want to be my disciple” this is a stipulation, Jesus is not giving us a recommendation to humble ourselves, No, Christ is saying you must humble yourself if you want to be a Christian. Self-denial is the total opposite of pride. Unless you humble yourself, you are in defiance of Christ.

Let’s look at the teaching of the Apostle Peter here “ALL of You be subject one to another, and be clothed in humility” All of us, meaning all Christians are to be humble and respectful to one another. What makes a great Church community? Christians who act and follow like Christ wants us to. Christians who do subject or submit to one another out of love and respect. 

God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble!  The Apostle Peter is not the only one to teach this , as this is a theme throughout the Bible (James 4:6-7) If you think your going to elevate yourself with power and pride, you have another thing coming. God will resist you, God will cut you down to size, and God will elevate the humble servant, because God is sovereign over all things. When you understand this, then you understand your place in the Kingdom of God, you are a servant not a celebrity!

Humble yourself then under the mighty hand of God and he will exalt you in due time! This is the sanctification of the Holy Spirit many of us have gone through or are still going through on a daily basis. If you want to know what Jesus meant by “denying yourself” this is it! Humble yourself, subject yourself under the authority of Christ and God will then exalt you in His time, not ours! Many of us are like stubborn mules that will not submit to Gods authority, how many times do you need to be cut down to size? Humble yourself, its a very peaceful state of mind

Last remember “Cast your cares to God because God cares about You” This devotional may sound like God is just beating us down, No God is discipling us because He loves us. Pride leads to destruction, God doesn’t want you to destroy yourself. Humble yourself, submit to Christ, and cast all your burdens upon Jesus because He loves you before you ever loved him! Amen!