HONORING ONE ANOTHER

The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
“Honoring One Another”
Based on Romans 12:10

The story is told of two goats that met each other on a narrow ledge just wide enough for one goat to pass. The two goats faced each other and wondered, "What shall we do?" They could not back up. That would be too dangerous. They could not go around because the ledge was too narrow. Now, if the goats had no more sense than humans they would have began butting each other until one fell over the ledge.

However, goats have a lot of sense, more than some people. What they did: one goat lay down and let the other walk over him. There must be a willingness to lay down for the other to walk over. Humans would have been arguing about who was to lie down.

It is hard for us humans to Humble Ourselves for the good of others; to be least in the eyes of others, for their good. Someone says, "Yes, but it is the principle of the thing." The principle of living together is ’love’.

Romans 12:10 puts it this way,
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Take a look at some other translations:
The English Standard Version reads, Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. (The Message)

No one was better at demonstrating honoring others above himself than our Lord Jesus Christ! Do you remember the story in John 13 about how he humbly washed the feet of his followers, telling them that as he had done this for them, they should do it for each other. I don’t believe Jesus was telling them to wash one another’s feet so much as he was encouraging them to serve, or honor one another.

Philippians 2 tells us about Christ’s humility. He honored you and me above himself when he lowered himself from his lofty position in heaven to become one of us, taking on human form. Not only did he step down to take on human flesh, but he lowered himself to being a servant. He gave his greatest service on the cross when he took our sins upon himself and died in our place.

He is our example of humility. He is the example of honoring others above ourselves.

In verses 9-11 Paul explains that, because of Christ’s humility, the Father raised him to the highest level in heaven and earth, even to the point that everyone will bow before him and every person will confess Jesus as Lord, meaning Master or Boss.

Jesus said, The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12

This is a total flip on what the world says. The world’s philosophy says, “If you don’t toot your own horn, who will?” The world says, “Look out for number one!”
But we must ask ourselves, “Who do I want to pat me on the back, myself, others or God?"
Jesus always put others ahead of himself. It is important to see what Paul was illustrating when he talked about having the attitude of Christ in Philippians 2:5-11

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

When we honor others above ourselves we are not ignoring our own interests completely, we are simply putting the needs of others first. While we may want to honor others above ourselves, how do we overcome our natural tendencies to be self-centered?
Here are Three Steps

Step 1: Take a look at your history of honoring others.
These questions may help you:
Can you think of a particular situation where you purposely attempted to honor someone above yourself?
How about yesterday?
Last week?
Last month?
In what ways did you demonstrate true appreciation sincere appreciation for the other person?
We are not talking about being a “backslapper.” You know, that person who brags on someone else so they will brag on them. A “backslapper” is looking for an opportunity to capitalize on the appreciation of another person for their own benefit. This kind of tactic usually backfires. If we are truly honoring the other person we will not allow ourselves to be upset if the other person does not respond.

Step 2: Don’t forget to honor those who have helped you to become what you are.
I can’t forget my parents who mentored and disciplined me in my youth and gave me their values to start out my life. I had professors in college who prepared me for ministry. Dennis Slaughter, my first Homiletics professor who taught me the importance of teaching Scriptural truth was a great man of God and Pastor in his own right. Mark Berrier challenged and shaped me personally and doctrinally. His instruction broke down and transformed many of my misconceptions and formed my approach to scripture and life. These are just some of the people who guided me in my youth to become the man I am today. Some of you reading this blog have contributed to my personal growth. You are all deserving of my honor.
Who are those people for you? When was the last time you thanked them? Perhaps you need to pick one and begin.

Step 3: If it is difficult for you to compliment others and enjoy their successes, take a look at your own personality.

Here are some checkpoints:

1. Some people cannot compliment others and enjoy their success because they have always been the center of attention themselves.
If this is the case, it would be good to memorize and meditate on Philippians 2:3-4
When they are tempted to “hog the show” they should quote that Scripture to themselves.

2. Some people have difficulty in complementing others and enjoying their success because they are insecure.

The people in checkpoint one have a problem with anyone else getting credit. Those in checkpoint two struggle with honoring others because they don’t even like themselves. They can’t honor others because they feel the desperate need to honored.

Scripture is still the prescription for this person. Memorize and meditate on Philippians 2:3-4. In addition to this, it would be a good idea to seek counsel with someone who can lovingly guide them to an appreciation who they are in Christ and who can directly confront them from time to time with gentle, yet firm correction.

Pray that God will help you learn the value of stooping down to allow someone to step over you so that together you can honor God, and the Lord’s Church can make a difference in the world for Him.

Can you think of one brother or sister in Christ to whom you can demonstrate honor and preference today? How will you do it?


This Sunday we will continue looking at ourselves through Solomon’s wise words. The message will be titled A Dusty Bible and is based on Proverbs 6:20-23; 7:2-3; 22:17-18. We will look at the problem of biblical illiteracy. I’ll look forward to seeing you.

Honoring you,
Jon