NOTES for Pe1 5:5
It is very rare to encounter an adequate reaction to the apostolic call to obedience. Usually one observes one of two extremes: either sharp protest in the name of "personal freedom," or an immediate search for some spiritual authority for unconditional submission to his every decision.
But the apostle Peter gives two clues for the correct understanding of his words. First, the matter is mutual obedience, that is, each person placing the interests of another above his own, in other words, mutual love. Second, he uses the remarkable word "humble-mindedness," in which humility and wisdom are joined together. This means that our wisdom is called to be humble, that is, not proud, not exalting itself over others. But it is also important that humility be wise, and not that self-abasement which is "worse than pride." Our obedience to others does not remove our personal responsibility before God for our life.