It's never wrong to "eat humble pie"

Very few of us want to admit that we're wrong. Psalm 51:1-4, 10

To eat a piece or more of a "humble pie" means that we acknowledge our error, usually publicly, and will learn from this experience NOT to be proud but willing to share that we're not perfect; a work in progress. Philippians 3:12-16

In those areas that we think we have some ability or knowledge, it can be difficult to say that we missed it, made an error, failed to perform well, and ask humbly for an opportunity to make things right.

Some might say that this hesitancy to confess our personal faults, sins, mistakes, stupidity, and inability is something we're born with, thanks to original humans.

Behold, I was brought forth in guilt,

And in sin my mother conceived me. Psalm 51:5

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned— Romans 5:12

Eve ate of the forbidden fruit Genesis 3:1-6 and blamed the snake. Genesis 3:13

Adam also ate of it with her, Genesis 3:6 blamed her for it, and also God for giving the woman to him. Genesis 3:12

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Can we be humble BEFORE we're caught in some misstep?

John the Baptist said to the Lord Jesus Christ, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" Matthew 3:14

John also said, "There is One [Jesus] coming after me Who is greater than I; I am not good enough even to kneel down and untie His sandals." Mark 1:7

John further stated, "He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

James wrote, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:10

Paul wrote that he considered himself to be less than the least of the Lord's people. Ephesians 3:8

Paul also wrote that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of which he was chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

Peter wrote, Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6

Consider the example of Peter to encourage us to believe that we can also grow spiritually.

Peter was called by Jesus to follow Him. Mark 1:16-18

Jesus renamed him. Mark 3:16; John 1:42

Peter often spoke for the rest of the disciples --

He [Jesus] said to them [His disciples], "But who do you say that I am?"

Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15-16

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him [Jesus] no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?"

But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." John 6:66-69

When Jesus foretold of His sacrificial suffering, death, and resurrection, Matthew 16:21 Peter rebuked the Lord.

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" Matthew 16:22

What level of sinful pride must someone have to rebuke the Savior?

Do you remember when Jesus said that all of His disciples would forsake Him? Mark 14:27-28

Peter spoke up, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." Mark 14:29

More pride on display?

But then when Peter could have confessed proudly to others, "Yes, I am Jesus of Nazareth's disciple," he denied the Lord 3 times. Mark 14:66-71

Peter was about to eat humble pie.

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

After Jesus' resurrection from the dead, "a young man clothed in a long white robe" was in the empty tomb Mark 16:5 and said, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you." Mark 16:6-7

Was Peter not a disciple anymore?

You can judge.

Peter saw the empty tomb where the body of the Lord had been laid. John 20:6-7

Was he then haunted by his 3 denials?

Jesus appeared again to some while they were fishing, which was Peter's idea. John 21:2-7

Jesus asked Peter about his love for Him, 3 times. John 21:15-17

Peter had to eat 3 more slices of humble pie.

And then the Lord told Peter of his future and how he would glorify God in his death. John 21:18-19

Peter had eaten enough pie; for now.

He became a pillar in the Church Galatians 2:9 in preaching and ministering the Lord's healing mercy to many. Acts 3:6-11; 5:12-15; 9:32-35, 39-42

It's never wrong to eat humble pie and we don't outgrow the need to stay humble and be willing to eat another slice, if needed.

Paul wrote that he withstood Peter because he was at fault.

When Peter came to Antioch, I [Paul] told him to his face that I was against what he was doing. He was clearly wrong. He used to eat with the Gentiles [non-Jews]. But certain men came from a group sent by James. When they arrived, Peter began to draw back. He separated himself from the Gentiles. That’s because he was afraid of the circumcision group sent by James. Peter’s actions were not honest, and other Jews in Antioch joined him. Even Barnabas was led astray. Galatians 2:11-13

I [Paul] saw what they were doing. It was not in line with the truth of the good news.

So I spoke to Peter in front of them all. "You are a Jew," I said.

"But you live like one who is not. So why do you force Gentiles to follow Jewish ways?" Galatians 2:14

Did Peter hold it against Paul because he publicly held out a slice of humble pie for Peter to eat?

Peter wrote about "our beloved brother Paul" and his letters that Peter considered to be Scripture. 2 Peter 3:15-16

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:1

Your thoughts?

R. Jason