The verb “be clothed” is unique in Greek. It only appears in 1 Peter 5:5. The best picture we have to understand what this verb means is the act of Jesus “putting on” a towel around his waist and washing the disciples feet. It reflects a posture of our hearts in submitting ourselves to God and one another.
Richard Foster in his book “Learning Humility” talks about the principle of “indirection”. Humility grows as the result of a life lived in God’s presence. You can’t just will yourself to be humble. You can, however, respond to God’s invitation of a life with Him. Your response will determine the posture of your heart, whether or not you are open to growing in areas you never thought possible in your own strength. There are activities, we call them ‘spiritual practices” or ‘spiritual exercises’, that help us cultivate a posture of an open heart. These practices teach us the importance of slowing down to hear God’s still small voice within us. It teaches us that humility grows as we grow in intimacy with God.
I want to mention a few Spiritual Practices to consider:
1. CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF LISTENING TO GOD
One ancient practice, and great way to cultivate listening to God, is Lectio Divina, which means “divine reading”. It’s a slow and intentional way to read a passage of Scriptures multiple times, with pauses and being attuned to specific words God may bring to your attention. It quiets our hearts and minds, and trains us to sit with God and rejoice in His presence as the WORD speaks.
2. CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF LISTENING TO OTHERS
It’s very easy to get lost in a conversation with someone. Sometimes, we barely listen to what someone is saying because we’re already thinking what we will say next. Instead, it is important to ask questions and clarifying what the person is saying who is talking to you. Some people have trained themselves to listen to others so well, that they invite God into the conversation even as they stay attuned to another. That person then asks “what has God put in my heart as a gift to the other person?” Maybe it’s helping them in a practical way; maybe it’s a word of encouragement. This then becomes a form of ‘in-the-moment’ intercessory prayer.
3. CULTIVATE A SERVANT’S HEART
The simple act of intentionally thinking about and deferring to others needs, cultivates humility. Of course this can be taken to an extreme and be self defacing, but that’s not what I’m talking about. The perfect example of humble service is Jesus himself.
Philippians 2:5-6:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,
So Christ is the ultimate example. God became flesh and served us. He washed his disciples feet and told us, as his disciples, to follow on His example. Ultimately he laid his life down for us in the ultimate act of humility and serving us.
How can we apply this without having some savior complex that then leads us to pride, once again? How do we cultivate humility through “indirection”? Start with simple acts of service that no one knows about. Do things for others and don’t announce it. Maybe that means being more thoughtful of your spouse, or friends. Do these things not because you want credit – no, that’s driven by pride – but because you simply want to serve. Pick up that towel. Write that card. Do that simple thing your spouse or friend has been asking you for months, maybe years.
As a church, I want us to be known as a people who reflect God’s love and character in the city of Detroit, where you live, and beyond. In order to BE more like Him and DO what He did, we will grow together in listening to Him.
As this happens, we will continue to honor our call to be “A house of prayer for all people” !
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Todd and Dr. Christiane
