Humility is the appropriate “attire” for the follower of Jesus. The lasting principle, quoted here by Peter, makes the case that God ”mocks proud mockers, but shows favor to the humble and oppressed” (Proverbs 3:34 NIV).

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The instruction to “clothe yourselves” refers to a slave who puts on an apron before serving. Peter may have chosen this word as he reflected on that day when Jesus “taking a towel, tied it around his waist,” and washed the feet of the disciples. Peter resisted this act of service until Jesus said, “’If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’” (John 13:9).

Humility is the appropriate attire of every believer, and here’s the way to attain it. C. S. Lewis wrote, “If anyone would like to acquire humility I can…tell him the first step. The first step is to realise that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.”

Father, we are proud and conceited. Our first thought is always about ourselves. So, we confess our pride to you. Forgive us and make us people who are willing to wear the apron of humility everywhere every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.