“I could be wrong.” That may be the hardest four words any of us ever say. After all, we know our own minds, and we’re perfectly capable of making rational decisions, right? Moreover, we Protestants are convinced that we’re all able to read the Scriptures for ourselves, and to understand at least the basics of God’s great plan of salvation. We therefore insist that we don’t need some priest to intercede for us – we can confess our sins to Christ all by ourselves, thank you very much.

But let’s face it – sometimes we do get it wrong. Sometimes we cling to sinful habits without realizing how harmful they are. Sometimes we hurt other people thoughtlessly, and need to be reminded of the impact of our words and actions. And there’s always more we can learn about the Scriptures, especially from those who have spent a lifetime studying it and trying to live according to its teachings.

That’s why Peter insists that we all need to humble ourselves before our elders (v. 5), so we can profit from their wise counsel and their selfless example (vv. 2-3). Because Satan continues to prowl around, trying to deceive our minds and mislead our hearts (v. 8), we need to humble ourselves before one another (v. 5), always being willing to admit that we might be wrong, always being ready to bring our lives into greater conformity to God’s Word.

But the good news is that as we devote ourselves more completely to God, we can be certain that He will exalt us – in His way and in His time (v. 6). As we cast our cares upon Him, seeking His answers to the greatest problems we face, and relying on His power in the face of our greatest weakness, we can be confident that He not only cares for us (v. 7), but will be gracious to us (v. 5). And even if God’s plan may include suffering for us and our loved ones in the short term, we can be sure that He will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us (v. 10) not only in the midst of our trials, but on that great day when He comes to put our struggles to an end.

So, sure, we can go on trying to be Lone Christians, relying only on our own thoughts and feelings to guide and direct us. But doesn’t it make more sense to rely on each other and to rely on God’s Word instead?

I Peter 5:1-14 (ESV)

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
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.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.