Outdo in Showing Honor

Christianity is to be an "others-first" religion. We hear it in Philippians 2:3-4, with its encouragement to...

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Philippians 2:3-4 (English Standard Version)

We feel it in Jesus's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. We even saw it in our One Another blog series.

So it sounds funny to hear the second half of Romans 12:10 tell us to "outdo one another" in an area of life, as though it were some sort of competition. But as you read it for yourself, notice you aren't to outdo others in boasting, or making money, or in a game of pinochle.

"Outdo one another in showing honor."

Romans 12:10b (English Standard Version)

If you are a competitive person, here is your chance to compete in your Christian faith. To win, all you have to do is honor others more than they honor you. And if you aren't a competitive person, perhaps other translations will help you grasp what God is calling you to do...

• "Honor one another above yourselves." (New International Version)
• "Give preference to one another in honor." (New American Standard)
• "Take delight in honoring each other." (New Living Translation)

Turns out this command to compete isn't to puff yourself up as the winner. Rather, it is a competition to set up others as the winner.

So as we close, ask yourself: Who do you need to honor today? And how can you honor them? With words? Actions? A gift? A public presentation? Or something else?