"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” - 1 Peter 5:6 NLT
A few years ago, a high-profile musician shared how she reached the pinnacle of her career but still felt empty. She talked about chasing success, constantly trying to outdo her last performance, and living for the applause of the crowd. While the world admired her accomplishments, she admitted she was exhausted; trapped on a treadmill of striving for approval and never feeling like it was enough.
Her story reflects a trap we all fall into at times, even as Christians. We long to honor God and live a life that pleases Him, but if we’re not careful, we can start to equate our worth with how much we do, how “perfect” we appear or how others perceive us. Instead of resting in God’s love, we strive for approval, running ourselves ragged on a performance treadmill that goes nowhere.
That’s why Peter’s words in 1 Peter 5:6 are so freeing. He reminds us that true honor doesn’t come from chasing recognition or trying to prove our value. It comes from surrendering to God. "Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God," Peter says, and at the right time, He will lift you up.
Humility isn’t about putting yourself down; it’s about shifting your focus off yourself and onto God and others. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:3-4, humility means valuing others above yourself and looking to their needs. When we live this way, we can step off the treadmill of performance and trust that God’s timing and approval are far better than anything the world can offer.
So today, let go of striving. Remember that your worth isn’t found in what you do but in who you are as God’s beloved child. When you humble yourself and live to glorify Him, He will lift you up at the perfect time and in the perfect way.
HIGHLIGHTED QUOTE: “True honor doesn’t come from proving yourself—it comes from surrendering to God and letting Him lift you up.”
TIP OF THE DAY: Today, practice humility by putting someone else’s needs above your own. Offer encouragement, serve with kindness, or simply listen. Reflect Christ’s heart by loving others selflessly.
TALKING TO GOD:
Father, thank You for reminding me that humility is the path that pleases You. Forgive me for the times I’ve sought approval from others or tried to prove my worth through my actions. Help me to trust in Your love and timing, and teach me to serve others with humility and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
PAUSE AND REFLECT:
- Have you been caught in the trap of striving for approval or recognition? How can you step off the performance treadmill?
- What’s one practical way you can practice humility in your relationships today?
- Who can you encourage or serve this week as a reflection of Christ’s humility?
