MUTUAL SUBMISSION. 1st Peter 5:5 The subject of submission here is not in the sense of surrender, but a deliberate action on the part of younger men in an assembly, willingly putting on submission like an apron, like the Lord Jesus put on a towel when He washed the disciples' feet. Peter had experienced the effects of the Lord Jesus' submission to His Father and its impact on him personally when the Lord washed his feet.
Those who are overseers have wisdom that comes from years of experience and understanding that comes from applying that wisdom in the right way to the issues they face. There are consequences for failing to submit to or ignoring those who lead. Listen to them and act accordingly because those who are older have “been there and done that.”
The responsibility of leadership has taught them to submit to the will of God and to be humble when God entrusts them with difficult matters in difficult times. They are aware of the serious effects that the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life have on individuals and on the outcomes of their choices. They have had years of experience with the opposition of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Yielding to those who govern, who employ us, who love us, and whom we love, and to elders in an assembly, is not a grudging acquiescence but an act of respect, understanding, humility, and awareness that we do not know everything. We need what the older believers have received and learned. Young men should listen to what older men have to say and teach, and follow those older men who live guided by the scriptures and lead by example. Older men need to listen to those who are younger, admit that they know things older men don’t, and teach them how to use that knowledge.
The attitude of submission and the actions of humility and service make assembly life pleasant, effective, fruitful, and appealing. This is the opposite of the self-serving ways of the world, which has a “me-first” attitude in almost every area of life. The Lord Jesus Christ said when He washed the disciples’ feet, “I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you.” Humility is a great virtue. It assumes the proper role in relation to others.
Being willing to say, “I don’t know how to do that. Will you help me, please?” or “I am sorry. Can I try again to do it right?” or “That was my fault. I am so sorry!” shows that a person is submissive and maturing. Peter drives this point home by quoting Proverbs 3:34 (Greek version).
I don’t always have to insist that others do what I think is right, nor should I, because I’m older, dismiss the younger folks’ work as trite. Nor should I ignore the calls from those in need when I’m in bed. Every saint deserves my respect. I may not agree with all the older ones on every point, and what some younger folks do tends to put my nose out of joint. However, God knew what He was doing when He anointed each of us to be His servant. To those who are older and more experienced, I will gladly submit. When it comes to things I wonder about, they’ve already done it, and I’ll show them respect and submission because I believe it is fitting. Everyone has a role to fulfill. May my pride never keep me from hearing what the young people say. They’re of a newer generation; I’m from a far different day. By watching and asking questions, I might learn more about how things work best for this younger generation. Every generation has its strengths and weaknesses. If we all show respect, dignity, and humility, we could live and labor together in real harmony. Being subject to one another would help us live happily, with everyone appreciating each other's strengths.
Just as spiritual leaders are subject to the Chief Shepherd, younger believers are to submit to their shepherds. We are to submit to them as citizens submit to the government, employees to employers, and wives to their husbands. Younger people are to submit to those of advancing years. Young people tend to act before carefully considering a matter and its outcome. Pride can keep older people from seeking to understand young people, and it can keep younger people from paying attention to or listening to older people. It is right for us to respect those who are older than us, and it is right for us to listen to those who are younger than us. In this way, we can learn from each other.