12/11

1 Peter 5:5-6

⁵Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

The qualifications for elder (overseer) never specify anything about physical age (1 Timothy 3:1-7). They do point out that the person should not be a recent convert. Therefore, in this passage, I would interpret "younger" to mean spiritually new to the faith. The spiritual babes in Christ should submit to the leaders of the church. The leaders have been through what the newer believers are experiencing and can help guide them in the life of faith.

The young believers should humbly submit to the instruction of the elders, but Peter goes on to say all believers should express humility toward one another. If we could all practice this advice, there would be no squabbles in the church. Most of our divisions come from not understanding the heart of the person with whom we are arguing. Both sides want to be right and can't see the middle ground or step back and consider the other person's perspective.

Peter gives us a great reason to express humility: God opposes the proud! If you want God to oppose you, insist on having your way. Wouldn't it be better to humble yourself and have the promise of grace bestowed on your life? God promises to exalt the humble at the proper time.

Consider: The humble can wait for God to exalt them when He so wills, but the proud feel they must be exalted now because they think they know best.