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#43.

We Are Commanded to Give Preference to One Another in


Fellowship

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one
another in honor;

We are to try to outdo one other in showing respect to our brothers and sisters in Christ,
says Paul. Elsewhere, in a similar vein, He instructs believers to regard one another as
more important than themselves. It probably goes without saying that this is an impossible
request to make of fallen man, left to his own devices. He is proud and full of self-
importance. While he may make outward show of respect for others and personal humility,
this is not what is going on in his heart. Self is firmly on the throne here, self-interest the
guiding principle for life.

Yet, as our Savior taught, what is impossible for man is not impossible for God (Matthew
19:26). When He saves someone, He changes the inner principles on which they operate.
He sends His Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) to live within them and to make them more
and more like Jesus as they live in this world. His Spirit of humility becomes theirs, and they
are more and more inclined to humble themselves under God's hand, so that He may exalt
them in due course (1 Peter 5:6). Now, they are disposed to seek what is best for others
and to leave their own good as a matter for the Lord. They take the last place and rejoice to
see others honored in Christ.

Note that this is commanded of us in Christ and can only be obeyed in Him. Note, also, that
the command is essentially meaningless if we are never gathered together as a church for
fellowship. Finally, consider how liberating it is to be among people who are behaving this
way. It is often the case in clubs and workplaces that we have to watch our backs, since
others will be seeking to climb over us in order to secure their own advancement. The
church is intended to be the exact opposite. Love is so to rule our relationships that we can
be sure all the members of the body are seeking our good ahead of their own! That sounds
like something to strive for, and something to rejoice in where the Lord brings it about by
His Spirit.

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