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.