You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
— 1 Peter 5:5 —
Bryan David: TMAI Headquarters | USA
In America today, submission to authority is seen as naïve, weak, and cowardly. Sadly, this same negative view has made its way into the American church, where the concept of submission to church leaders is rejected by many as antiquated and undemocratic. The Bible is clear that, unless you’re being told to sin, subjecting yourself to God-ordained authority should be the norm in all of life. Peter reminds us, however, that beginning with younger people, we are all to submit to our church leaders. Submission is not only biblical, it is a blessing—both for you and for your leaders (Heb. 13:17). But submission to authority is more than just a mandate for life in the church. The Bible is clear that, unless you’re being told to sin, subjecting yourself to God-ordained authority should be the norm in all of life. Children are to submit to their parents (Eph. 6:1), slaves to their masters (1 Pet. 2:18), citizens to their government (1 Pet. 2:13), wives to their husbands (1 Pet. 3:1), and husbands to Christ—just as the church itself is subject to Christ her Lord (Eph. 5:23–24). As today’s verse shows, submission to authority is inseparably linked to humility, and the extent that we are humble is the extent that we will receive God’s grace. The concept is simple: if we oppose our authorities, God will oppose us. If, on the other hand, we humble ourselves in subjection to our leaders, God will give us grace and exalt us (1 Pet. 5:6). Dear believer, I am certain that you do not want God’s almighty hand to oppose you today. So humble yourself. Remind yourself of God’s call to submission. Subject yourself to your authorities in church, government, work, and family, and see God’s grace exalt you at the proper time.
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