Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand. (1 Pet. 5:6)
HOW OFTEN HAVE WE APPROACHED someone while angry only to be stonewalled or patronized? Usually our attitude arrives before we even begin to speak. This works with joy as well as anger.
In drama this is called “setting the mood” as the actors prepare the audience for the upcoming performance. We do much the same thing when we light candles for that romantic dinner, scent a room, or wear our best outfits. So much is said before we speak in preparation for the words that follow.
When Peter spoke directly to the young men of the early church, he advised them to “humble” themselves. He gave them advice contrary to what society might say. Society might suggest confidence and boldness, pride and arrogance. However, a humble spirit sets the mood for approaching the Lord God, creator of the heavens and the earth.
Omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God is so far beyond our understanding we cannot envision him. We too often mistakenly approach the Lord as though we are his equals. We are nothing of the sort. We must humble ourselves in recognition of our inadequacy and insignificance, and then we might consider it possible to approach the King of Kings. We must set our mood right.
The victory is already his. We must ask that it encompass us as well.
Set your mood! Be humble.
Randall A. Forbes is director of plant operations at Kingswood University. With a flair for the artistic, Randy’s secular life experience contributes to his unique perspective and application of biblical truths.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
