In many churches today, it is customary to address leaders with honorific titles such as "Reverend," "Doctor," "Pastor," or "Bishop." While this may seem like a harmless tradition, Jesus Himself warned against such practices and rebuked the Pharisees for their love of titles and positions of honor:
"And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 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" (Mat 23:6-10).
Jesus’ words here are clear—His followers are not to seek or use titles that elevate one person over another. The church is a Body of Believers, united in Christ, where all are brothers and sisters under the authority of the one true Teacher and Master.
Titles and the Sin of Pride
One of the main reasons Jesus condemned the use of titles was the issue of pride. The Pharisees sought honor from men rather than from God. John 12:43 states, "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." This love of recognition led them to exalt themselves, demanding special greetings and privileged positions. Sadly, many church leaders today fall into the same trap, craving acknowledgment and expecting to be addressed with prestigious titles.
However, Jesus taught the opposite. True greatness in the kingdom of God comes through humility and service, not through self-exaltation (Mat 23:11-12). James echoed this sentiment, reminding Believers that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (Jas 4:6).
The Apostles’ Example
The early church leaders did not seek exalted titles. Paul, despite being an apostle, never insisted on being called "Apostle Paul" as a formal title. Instead, he referred to himself humbly as a "servant of Jesus Christ" (Rom 1:1). Likewise, Peter, an eyewitness of Christ’s transfiguration, simply identified himself as "a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 1:1).
If the apostles themselves, chosen by Christ, did not demand honorific titles, how much more should today’s leaders reject such practices?
A Call to Biblical Humility
The Bible calls us to humility and servanthood, not to the pursuit of worldly honor. Jesus set the perfect example when He washed the disciples’ feet, teaching them that "the servant is not greater than his lord" (Jn 13:16). If we are truly following Christ, we will reject practices that promote self-exaltation and instead embrace a spirit of humility and brotherhood.
Rather than seeking titles, Christians should focus on glorifying God. As Paul wrote, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:31). Let us, therefore, reject the practice of honorific titles and instead seek to serve one another in humility, recognizing that Christ alone is our true Teacher, Master, and Lord.
A Closing Poem
Humility Over Titles
They love the seats in honored halls,
And serve for show when duty calls.
They long to hear their titles said,
But in their pride, their hearts are dead.
The Pharisees desired praise,
Their names exalted all their days.
But Christ has called us to be meek,
To serve in love, the lowly seek.
Christ warned against this worldly game,
Where men seek power, wealth, and fame.
"Call no man Rabbi," He declared,
For prideful hearts are ill-prepared.
To see the Father face to face,
And bask in His unending grace.
The apostles, though of high renown,
Refused a title or a crown.
They walked in truth, in faith so bold,
Yet sought no name, nor honor told.
For Christ alone is Master true,
And we are brothers, me and you.
No title grand, no earthly fame,
Can take the glory of His name.
So let us walk in humble grace,
And seek the low, the servant’s place.
For in His kingdom, great are they,
Who cast their pride and self away.
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