How To Dress For Service

There is a lesson we must learn as followers of Jesus and it is this: When pride is the problem, humility is the answer. Yet we would admit, as has been said, “There’s no lesson harder to learn than humility” (D.L. Moody). Despite the difficulty, it does not lessen our responsibility. We are called to a life of humility. Peter said, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
 
The “all of you” includes you—me too. He is speaking here of serving one another as Jesus’ followers. This is at the heart and soul of the Christian experience. This describes how we are meant to live as Christians. This defines how we are to relate to one another as a church. Jesus said “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Then Jesus added, “As I have been sent forth, so send I you.” This means—if you are a Christian, you are called to a life of service.
 
Even so, the primary requirement of a servant is humility. It is not education, experience, or training, but humility. Once again, that is true, as Peter said, for “all of you” (1 Peter 5:5). Even those without education or experience are to have humility for this is the one thing that is indispensable. That which is indispensable is the one thing for which we are responsible. It is humility. This is the choice of one who would be a servant.
 
Peter said, “Clothe yourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). This metaphor “clothe yourselves” comes from a rare Greek word that pictures a servant putting on an apron before serving those in the house. Peter is referring, I believe, to the meal in the upper room when Jesus wrapped Himself with a towel and washed the disciples’ feet (John 13). The Savior, humbling Himself to the role of a servant, washed their feet. This is a living picture of what it means to serve others as Jesus served the disciples. So we are not without an example…
 
The major obstacle to fulfilling this obligation is pride. That is why Peter said, “God opposes the proud…” (1 Peter 5:5). Peter is reminding us of the thing for which we need to watch, namely pride. However, Peter also reassures us that humility brings with it opportunity. Peter said, “God…gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Then he added, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). This favored position brings to us a world of blessing! For example, Peter promises us that here, in this posture of humility, you might “Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
 
All of this to say that a life of service is worth it—and it comes to us by God’s grace through a posture of humility—and the blessings of it are unimaginable and inestimable. So clothe yourself today with humility (this never goes out of style in the life of a believer) and find practical ways to serve others! Do it today!
 
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron