Reverend?

Hebrews 12:28

            At times, people have introduced me as Reverend Kent.  Now I do not use that title nor am I someone to be revered, but some folks think they are being respectful when they attach such appellations to those whom they consider “clergy.”  But is it all right for some individuals to use the title “Reverend” or some similar titles?  What does the Bible teach?

            Well, we have no reference at all to anyone using the title or anything like it.  In the early church there were evangelists, teachers, deacons, prophets, bishops (elders) and even apostles, yet nothing is recorded in the scriptures of any of them using the title Reverend.  They called one another brother, and referred to themselves as servants and disciples of Jesus Christ and often fellow workers.

            In fact, Jesus warned of using any kind of titles in the kingdom.  He commanded, “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.  Do not call anyone on earth your Father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  Do not be called leaders [teachers]; for One is your Leader [Teacher], that is, Christ.  But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:8-11).

            Words have meaning, but frequently people throw words around without stopping to consider what they mean.  According to the dictionary, reverend means “worthy of reverence; deserving to be revered.”  That does not fit at all with the repeated teaching of our Lord and His apostles about Christians having equal standing in Christ, becoming servants of one another, acknowledging personal sinfulness, and the need to humble ourselves before our holy God.  Peter fell at Jesus’ feet and cried, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8).  Paul confessed that he was the foremost of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).  This hardly sounds like men who thought they should be revered.

            I would not want to stand before my holy God on the final day having worn the title Reverend.  To me the scriptures are quite clear.  Only God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ deserve to be reverenced.

                                                            ><>  Jeff