Today's Devotion: 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.” (Prov. 3:34) (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Pe 5:5)

According to The Teacher's Commentary, Peter's first letter is organized around the theme of submission and suffering. God does not intend to trip us up. Instead he allows us to express the genuineness of our faith. At the same time, we receive training in both behavior and obedience. Even then, however, hope predominates. Yet, through our training, we learn to live in humility, and in humility, we learn to obey God.

Today's Comments: Harpers Bible Dictionary says the following about "humility": humility, in the biblical world a value that directs persons to stay within their inherited social status, specifically by not presuming on others and avoiding even the appearance of lording over another. Humble persons do not threaten or challenge another’s rights, nor do they claim more for themselves than has been duly allotted them in life. They even stay a step below or behind their rightful status (e.g., the ‘unworthy’ John the Baptist, Mark 1:7). Thus humility is a socially acknowledged claim to neutrality in the competition of life. Conversely, to attempt to better oneself at the expense of others, to acquire more than others, to strive for honors others currently enjoy are all instances of proud and arrogant behavior. (Bruce J. Malina, Ph. D.; Professor, Department of Theology; Creighton University; Omaha, Nebraska - Achtemeier, Paul J. ; Harper & Row, Publishers ; Society of Biblical Literature: Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1985, S. 411)

It sure seems a bit hard to be humble these days, doesn't it? My ex-girlfriend, Esther, accuses me of my lack of humility and suggests that I cannot be a good deacon, as a result. Unfortunately, I think that she is right. If I am to progress in my ministry, I am going to have to learn humility in a way that I never learned it before. I am going to have to practice it. I am going to have to curb my temper and be more accepting of what I get from others and, especially from God. A deacon is the example of servant leadership, and humility is the trademark of a servant.