About seventeen years ago, a book titled The Narcissism Epidemic reached the top of the bestseller lists. It described a cultural shift that has since become a standard way of life: the Age of Entitlement. In this modern environment, humility is rarely viewed as a virtue to be emulated. Instead, it is often denigrated as a sign of weakness or something to be avoided at all costs. Some critics have even attempted to link Christian humility to shame or sin.
However, the Word of God presents a completely different picture. While the Greek and Roman cultures of the early church also viewed humility with disdain, the scriptures reveal that humility is the quality that allows us to reflect most clearly the nature of God. As the church engages in the series, The Art of One-Anothering, it becomes clear that humility is the essential lynchpin for the community moving forward.
The Imagery of the Apron
In 1 Peter 5:5, the apostle provides a vivid command: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The Greek word for “clothe” is unique; it literally means to tie something on with a knot or a bow. In the ancient world, this word was almost exclusively used to describe a servant putting on an apron over their clothes to keep them clean while they served others.
It is highly likely that as Peter wrote these words, his memory returned to the Upper Room on the night of the betrayal. While the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, the Saviour “girded himself” with a towel and began to wash their feet (John 13). To “one-another” someone in humility is to intentionally tie on that servant’s apron, following the transformational example set by Christ.
The Strength Found in Humility
Clothing ourselves with humility is not a call to passivity but a source of spiritual strength. Peter wrote to a church facing vicious persecution under the Roman Emperor Nero, and he highlighted the wonderful consequences of a humble heart:
- Receiving Divine Grace: While God opposes the proud, He gives favour and grace to the humble (James 4:6).
- Future Exaltation: In God’s perfect timing, He will vindicate, strengthen, and encourage those who humble themselves under His mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6).
- Security in Anxiety: Humility allows believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7).
A Picture of Fatherly Care
The reality of God’s care is often best understood through the lens of human relationships. Consider the memory of a father entering a room where a student is panicking over exams. A father with a servant’s heart might put his arm around those shoulders, offering prayer and a promise of help. That image captures what God does for His children. He puts His arm around our shoulders, and humility allows us to stop trying to be omnipotent and instead trust in His sovereign care.
The Believer’s Manual for Humility
Philippians 2:1-4 serves as a practical manual for this way of life. It instructs believers to do nothing from selfish ambition but to count others as more significant than themselves. This includes looking out for the interests of others, not just our own.
This is particularly challenging when dealing with sandpaper people—those individuals within the church who seem to rub us the wrong way. True Christlike humility means loving these brothers and sisters equally, regardless of how lovable they feel. As Timothy Keller famously suggested, true humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. This is only possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Becoming More Human in an Artificial Age
In 2026, the world is becoming increasingly artificial through the rise of AI. This provides the church with a unique opportunity: as the world becomes more artificial, the church can become more human. People today have a deep yearning for truth, hope, and the human touch. That touch is provided through the art of one-anothering.
Practising Humility This Week
To cultivate and grow in Christlike humility, believers can focus on five specific applications:
- Be honest about strengths and abilities without feeling superior, recognizing that all gifts come from God.
- Be grateful for everything in life instead of feeling entitled to it.
- Be slow to criticize and quick to praise others.
- Take a genuine interest in other people.
- Acknowledge personal limitations.
One-anothering is the key to the church’s growth and witness. By committing to tie on the servant’s apron, the community can reach out with humility and bring honour and glory to the Chief Shepherd.
Reflection and Follow-up
- Reflection Question: Are there “sandpaper people” in your life whom you have been avoiding? How can you tie on the servant’s apron and seek their interests this week?
- Reflection Question: Which of the five practical applications (honesty, gratitude, praise, genuine interest, or acknowledging limitations) do you find most difficult to practise in your current circumstances?
- Follow-up Reading: Spend time this week slowly reading through Philippians 2:1-11 and 1 Peter 5:1-11, asking for the Spirit’s help to value others above yourself.