The church is the body of Christ and every believer is a member of that body. For the body to grow and function healthily, every member must work together and each perform his or her duty faithfully. “For as we have members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many are one body in Christ and every one members one of another” (Rom 12:4-5). For all members to work harmoniously and effectively, humility towards one another is the key to achieve this goal. On the other hand, “by pride cometh contention” (Prov 13:10) and “Pride goeth before a fall” (Prov 16:18). Calvary has just elected a new session, which consists of a pastor, elders, deacons and deaconesses. We welcome all these people to come on board to serve the Lord. In order for the session to function properly and for the church to grow from strength to strength we need the support and co-operation of every member. Above all, humility towards one another is the most important essence for the growth of this church. The apostle Peter had this in mind when he wrote to the “Elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet 1:2) which includes all of us. 

The Humility of the Elders. The elders are to “feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (1 Pet 5:2). “Feed the flock” does not mean feeding them only the Word of God which is very important, but also taking care of their spiritual needs and well-being, being compassionate to their weaknesses and shortcomings. “To have oversight” does not mean only to exercise strict control but to help and encourage them when their needs arise. “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensample (examples) to the flock” (1 Pet 5:3). “Not for filthy lucre” does not necessarily mean for monetary rewards but also for popularity and prestige. 

The Humility of the Younger. This is not only confined to the younger members of the session such as the deacons and deaconesses but to every member of the church. The apostle Peter was quite aware that the younger generation could be better educated and are more knowledgeable than the older ones. That was why he started by exhorting them: “likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elders” (1 Pet 5:5). To submit here means to respect the elders for their years of experience and spiritual maturity. Refusal  to submit may lead to strife, contention and disharmony, which the body of Christ must never have. In fact, in order to magnify the Name of the Lord, all must be “subject one to another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Pet 5:5). In this way, all our talents and knowledge can be put to good use for the Lord and for the extension of His Kingdom. 

Why must we be humble? “For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5). Pride is the opposite of humility and God dislikes proud people. “The pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 Jn 2:16). Why was the fallen angel cast down from heaven? He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” But God said to him: “thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground” (Ezek 28:17). It would be a great pity if some of our bright and capable young men and women cannot be used by God because of their pride and haughtiness. On the other hand, God will give “grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5). So let us come to serve Him with joy and humility. 

God will exalt the humble. Too often, young and enthusiastic men and women are in their haste to show their knowledge and ability, sometimes with good intentions but they end up causing friction and misunderstanding with others. Let us come and serve the Lord, waiting upon Him to lead and guide us. Be humble and serve “under His mighty hand so that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet 5:6).

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