Thursday – Humility Under Authority: Tested and Proven

---

In a Nutshell: 

Humility is often tested under authority.  Jesus and Moses, despite their unique relationships with God, demonstrated humility by submitting to imperfect earthly leadership.  Our response to authority reveals our level of humility.

Anchor Verse: 

1 Peter 5:5 (NIV) – “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.””

Unpacking the Word: 

Pastor Reuben highlighted that pride and humility are often “tested or demonstrated under authority.”  He pointed to Lucifer, who rebelled against God’s ultimate authority, and Jesus, who submitted to the imperfect authority of Joseph and Mary, and later to earthly leaders.  Moses, described as the meekest man, also demonstrated humility under authority, even when that authority was flawed.

It’s easy to be humble in isolation, but true humility is revealed in our interactions with those in authority over us – whether it’s our boss, church leaders, government officials, or even parents and spouses.  Our pride often flares up when we feel our authority is challenged, or when we disagree with those in charge. We might become resistant, argumentative, or disrespectful.  However, humility calls us to a different response. It calls us to submit, not necessarily to blindly obey in all cases, but to approach authority with respect, teachability, and a willingness to learn.

Pastor Reuben gave the examples of Moses taking advice from his father-in-law and Jesus submitting to imperfect parents. These examples show that humility isn’t about weakness, but about recognizing God’s order and choosing to honor it, even when human authority figures are flawed.  Think about your current relationships with authority figures.  Do you bristle at correction or feedback? Are you quick to criticize or undermine those in leadership?  Today, examine your attitude towards authority.  Are you demonstrating humility by being respectful, teachable, and submissive in appropriate ways?  Remember, submission to earthly authority, when aligned with God’s principles, is an expression of our submission to God Himself, and a pathway to greater humility and favor.

Pause and Reflect:

1. Who are the authority figures in your life (at work, church, family, community)?
2. How would you describe your attitude and behavior towards these authority figures? Is it generally humble or resistant?
3. In what specific situations do you find it most challenging to be humble under authority?

Faith in Action:

1. Identify one authority figure in your life with whom you have a strained relationship or a tendency to be resistant. Intentionally pray for them today, asking God to bless them and give you grace to interact with them humbly.
2. Seek out an opportunity to genuinely thank or encourage one of your authority figures for their leadership or service.
3. If you receive correction or feedback from someone in authority today, consciously choose to receive it with humility and a teachable spirit, even if it’s difficult.

A Moment With God: 

Lord, help me to cultivate a truly humble spirit, especially in my interactions with those in authority.  Remove any pride or resistance in my heart.  Grant me grace to be respectful, teachable, and submissive where appropriate.  Help me to see authority as ordained by you and to honor you through my responses to those you’ve placed in leadership.

---