DYK? Christianity is the only world religion where religious titles are forbidden. Weird, but I’ve spoken to PhD‘s and ThD‘s and seminary superstars that don’t know this (or won’t obey Jesus in this matter).
“They love to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and YOU ARE ALL JUST BROTHERS [and this was spoken to even the apostles themselves!].
“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called [by the title of] teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. [“Reverend“ – one to be revered? Are you out of your mind?! “Pastor” “Father”, etc. – all forbidden as titles.]
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled.”
Jesus forbids all religious titles, in Matthew 23. https://lnkd.in/gR_w9m84
They’re all done and gone: Father Time, Reverend Rich Ruler, Deacon Jones, Elder Barry, Pastor Clampett, Sister Ellie Mae, Brother Jethro, Bishop Otis, Prophet Andy Loss, Apostle Bougie… the whole bit.
Title (fill in the blank, name). All forbidden. But like many direct commands from Jesus, it is blown off as “it doesn’t matter.”
Peter and Paul were never referred to by any title. John was never Reverend John or Father John or Elder Thunder. None of the authors of Scripture ever referred to anyone by a title, though Paul “missed a boatload of chances” that would never, ever be skipped over in our title and power-seeking religious world.
Paul mentions 26 co-workers in Romans 16. Not even one of these big-time ladies and men are given “the Greek honorific of a title before their name.” Zero titles. Some descriptions of their organic relationships to others, but not one single title structure in the Greek. We would have PLASTERED that all over them in today’s System. The System neeeeeds that.
In Colossians 4, Paul missed 10 more chances to call his crew out with titles “for the sake of those he was writing to in Colossae.” How many titles did Paul and the Spirit bestow? ZERO. Again.
Paul and Luke named 17 more superstars of the Faith. Titles on even one? Nope. Not even the lowly title reserved for laity, “brother” or “sister”? Nope.
Why not? BECAUSE JESUS FORBIDS TITLES, and true followers of Jesus don’t need or want titles! Followers of Jesus had and have various gifts and roles and relationships, Eph.4, 1Cor.12, Rom.12, but gift and relationship and respect, earned by fruit-bearing, is all it would, or will, ever be.
It is the difference between “Samuel“ vs ”Saul“. Gifts are “like the Wind,” but powerful and life-changing.
“I may not be an apostle to anyone else, but surely I am to YOU. You are my living letters, if in fact you examine yourselves and Jesus is now living in you.”
BeHisChange.com, with love and patience, but not compliance in disobeying the Master.
Photo provided from a friend this morning. I guess she was visiting family in Ireland?
