1 Peter 5:5-11 NIV
[5] 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.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Dear God, when I selected these verses this morning I didn’t realize how many different admonition are in here. I think I need to break them down.

1. Younger people submit yourself to elders – This can be hard to do because there are just some things that young people haven’t experienced yet. Life looks a lot clearer at 18 than it does at 45. And it probably looks clearer at 45 than it does 65. My wife and I were talking yesterday morning about how our perspective on things changes after we experience the humility of parenthood, careers, failure, caring for aging parents, etc. All of that seems a lot easier before you’ve done it. To be sure, the people in my life who have been quickest to give me parenting advice are those with no children. Those with children often know better. So I should definitely be more humble in my relationships with elders.
2. Humble yourself before each other and God – Ah, that was an unintentional segue when I said humble at the end of number 1. This is just a good command. If everyone is proud then you get what we have right now in Washington and leaking into the rest oof the country. Or maybe it’s the rest of the country that’s leaking up to Washington. Regardless, whether it’s in your own home, you workplace, your church, or your interactions with others, it’s a lot better and it’s going to go more smoothly if we humble ourselves rather than be proud and arrogant.
3. Cast my cares on God – That can be hard to do. It is certainly a learned skill. And then, as I’ve said before, there’s a fine line between living by faith and living in denial. It only comes through prayer and intentionally humbling (there’s that word again) myself before you.
4. Be alert and resist Satan – Just remembering that Satan is there and working against us is a big part of the battle. It’s easy to see everything around us and forget that it is actually Satan attacking. There is suffering, but that’s where casting our cares on you comes in.
5. In the end, through God’s help you will be strong and steadfast – This is all actually a nicely structured admonition from Peter. There is simply no way to become strong without suffering. It doesn’t work. Whether it’s physical strength or spiritual strength, that’s what it takes to learn to live in your peace.

Father, with all of this said, help me to live under Peter’s admonition today. Help me to respect and submit to my elders. Help me to live I humility. Help me to cast my cares on you and be aware of and resist Satan. And help me to stand firm in you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen