Humility and titles
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” - Matthew 23v8-10
For centuries, at least, it appears that spiritual leaders have a tendency to get hung up with titles. “Doctor This,” and “Reverend That,” can be things that they almost demand by virtue of their office. It can really get silly at times. At one time I was on Dell’s mailing list as “The Most High and Esteemed Reverend Doctor Roger Parrow!”
As silly as that is, even in our circles we can get caught in the same trap. Honorary doctorates and then being called “Doctor” and the insistence on being called “Pastor So and So,” permeate our culture.
There is nothing wrong with showing respect to spiritual leaders. In fact the Bible tells us that we should do so. The matter comes down to what is in the heart of the one bearing the title. If he expects or demands that people use a title for him it appears that he is missing something according to this passage.
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