Humble pie. It belongs next to my private chocolate stash because God says this is one dish best served—to myself. When someone serves humble pie to me, that’s humiliation. Not a tasty dish. Humility, however, is when I choose to be humble—and this pie hits God’s sweet spot. 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Let’s explore the text:

1. “Humble yourselves.”

I choose humility. 1 Peter 5:5b reads, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” I’d rather humble myself than have God do it. 

2. “Under God’s mighty hand.”

Honestly, some people are a challenge to submit to. But God? This should be a no-brainer. One day, all will submit to Him. Philippians 2:10 says, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” We Christians can lead by example now. “God’s mighty hand” references the deliverance of God’s people from Egypt. Submit and allow Him to work on your behalf. 

3. “That He may lift you up.”

Promotion comes from God alone. First Chronicles 29:12 reads, “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” He does the lifting. Our job? To be humble before Him. 

4. “In due time.”

His time. Snap! Ephesians 1:9-10 reads, “he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” I can’t see the big picture, so I must wait until He’s ready. He goes before me. I must trust Him. 

Humility frees me to serve without expectations. It helps me focus on others and not myself.

But it’s a choice–and often a hard one.

What does humility look like at your house?

Activities:

1. Over pie, recount a time when someone humbled you. How did you feel? What did you learn?

2. Do you have a family pet? Who cares for it? How does the pet respond?

3. Take turns serving the family at dinner. Choose one person to serve and keep the glasses full. How did they feel? Why?

4. To whom is God calling you to humble yourself? What’s the holdup? What do you have to lose? To gain? Why?