1 Peter 5:5-6
“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
It has been a long time since I first took my driving test, was given a driver’s license and was able to operate my dad’s car. It was always a mystery to me why he was so ashen faced and somber when the keys were placed into my youthful hands and I rocketed out to the car and backed carefully out of the driveway.
I discovered the reason for his terrified appearance when my own kids applied for their first driver’s license and waited eagerly for my shaking hands to deliver the car keys into their all too eager hands. Ah, the passage of time has a way of bringing around memories of the past—some good, some terrifying.
Our eagerness to be the one to operate a motor vehicle is an object lesson to teach us about our spiritual life—WE WANT TO DRIVE! We may not be qualified or adequately aware of the hazards which may lie up ahead, but we still want to take control.
The Apostle Peter tells the young men of the world to demonstrate humility. While this is a quality that is greatly prized by writers of Scripture, unfortunately it is not esteemed in our society. We are more prone to see strutting, swaggering, bragging and disdain by many young people who are disrespectful of their elders.
I hope you caught the words in this passage, “In the same way.” Immediately we should ask ourselves the question, “In the same way – what?” Peter has just been admonishing the elders to come under the authority of the Lord—serving in humility to Christ.
In the Old Testament book of Micah, we find this same pattern established. It tells us that, from the very beginning, God has desired a yielded and broken people. Look what it says in chapter 6, verse 8: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
That, my dear friend, is cutting to the bottom line. If you really and truly desire to find a peace with God, and harmony with those around you, do things God’s way. These words in Micah are words of instruction for the daily walk of the believer.
So you want to drive, do you? If you insist, I want to warn you of the dangers you face. The way is far too treacherous for us to do the driving. Our inexperience can only lead to disaster. It is so much better to let the One who knows the way control the wheel of our life.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil