What Are You Wearing?

Why is it so darn hard for me to do what other people want? There is always someone that I have the opportunity to give up my own desires for. It could be that one particular friend who needs a big chunk of my time and energy to bear their burdens—as if I didn't have issues of my own to deal with. Or maybe it's that certain someone who the Spirit's been telling me to reach out to, though my gut tells me there are a million more fun people to hang out with. Or what about those two people who live in the same house as me, and, for some reason, get to tell me when I need to be home at night? If you're about my age (or ever have been) chances are you've butted heads with those two at some point in time.

Unfortunately, the issue is not immediately apparent from the surface level of these relationships. It's not as simple as, “I need to get at least something in return—just giving is too exhausting.” It's not as okay as “I need to take a break from reaching out so I have a little time for me.” And with the 'rents, I only wish it was as forgiveable as “I'm learning how to make decisions for myself.”

No, the problem is deeper—much deeper. At the core of my deceitful heart is the seed of pride.

1 Peter 5:5 

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Have you ever picked out a great outfit for yourself to wear, only to find at the end of the day that there had been a big stain on your shirt the whole time? It's the same way with pride. You may think you appear humble and caring, when in reality your obnoxious pride is rubbing off on everyone you talk to. Being clothed in pride is never just having pride in your heart. It shows—much more than you would like.

On the other hand, when you are clothed with humility, you are wearing a shirt that says “submissive to others.” Interestingly enough, this may not (I mean probably won't) mean that others notice your awesome attitude and give you a high-5 for being spiritual. It may not even mean that you get so much as a “thank you.” What it will mean is that you stop talking and listen; or stay after church catching up with that person you've never really clicked with; or come home 2 minutes early instead of 15 minutes late.

And guess what else it means? This is the part I'm excited about...because I didn't tell you yet what comes next in 1 Peter 5. Verses 6 hits us with this offer: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”

I don't know about you, but I would rather be exalted by God than by myself. Because every time I try to make myself seem like a cool person, I get reminded how little and insignificant I really am. Who cares if Carly thinks you're great? My vote doesn't really count for much. But God—He's omnipotent!  He's eternal and infinitely glorious! And you're telling me that I get exalted by Him if I'm humble? “In due time” seems worth the wait.