The word
“clothed” [Greek egkomboomai] means
to attach a piece of clothing to oneself. In the New Testament times slaves
used to fasten a white piece of cloth or apron over their clothing so that
others would know that they were slaves and working for their masters.
Peter has seen
Jesus’ action of tying on his cloth over his clothing as a servant. Jesus took
a towel and knelt down and washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5). So Jesus
demonstrated Himself as a servant and taught the disciples to do the same. Soon
they would become servants of Jesus Christ.
This was how
Peter understood this from Christ to “be clothed with humility.” So Peter
encourages us as an example “to tie the cloth of humility on ourselves” so that
we would be identified as believers in Christ when we act humbly toward others.
Our humility on
our part should be able to identify (notice) as God’s people. Our lifestyle and
our conversation should show that we are God’s children. How do we do that? Roman
12:10 tells us to “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honour preferring one another.” NCV put it simple: “Love each other like
brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.”
What was the
problem that sometimes among the Christians who don’t displayed (showed) their
“being clothed with humility”? James 4:1 talked about “wars and fightings”
among the Christians and how did it started? NCV gave a simple answer. “Do you
know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish
desires that war within you.” I say, “Ouch!”
This is the
reason why we need to be “clothed with humility.” It is to prevent “wars and
fightings” inside of us. The Holy Spirit is a gentle person just like a dove. Holy
Spirit could help us to be “clothed with humility” as we surrender our lives to
Him.
Once I was faced
with this challenged problem that could not be solved so I quoted from memory
verse on James 4:10, “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He shall
lift you up.” I quoted James 4:10 several times until I could sense the peace
from the Lord. This helped me to avoid the “arguments” with others. I presented
the situation to the Lord and trust Him to handle it. I have seen the amazing results
from the Lord’s work.
The only way to
“be clothed with humility” is to let the beauty of Jesus” be seen in you.
Song: Let the Beauty of Jesus
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Spirit divine, All my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
(Lyrics: Albert W T Orsborn)
[Passion=love; purity=pure-clean]
[Nature=character sign N; refine=changed]
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