PLEASE DON'T CALL ME "REVEREND"
Jack Thompson
 

Thank you and once again we express our sincere appreciation to each one who has joined us in our listening audience. We continue to covet your interest in the things which we discuss from Sunday to Sunday. I realize that some things are controversial. But, then, Jesus Christ was a most controversial person. And so are those who follow Him.

I wish to address a subject in our allotted time this morning that is most often misunderstood. But, I trust that you will allow me to set the record straight in this matter. Very often the title, "Reverend" is used when people address me. It is usually used in an effort to show respect for the work in which I am engaged. I
appreciate the desires of such courtesy, but I reject the term and the title for very good reasons. I often attempt to explain why I do not wish the term "Reverend" to be used with my name, but usually time and opportunity does not allow for a detailed explanation. Therefore, for our study today, I wish to give reasons as to why I do not wish to be referred to with the term "Reverend."

The FIRST reason is because Christ Jesus condemned the wearing of religious titles. Hear Him as He speaks, "Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat: all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe; but do not ye after their works, for they say, and do not. Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on man's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they
make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is you master, even the Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matthew 23:1-11). You will note that Jesus is not discussing paternal relations, or those who are fathers in the fleshly sense. He is speaking of religious leaders who elevate themselves into places of honor and prestige, and then expect others to honor them with religious titles. If Jesus did not allow His disciples, who later became apostles, to wear religious titles to distinguish them as preachers, evangelists, who am I to take upon myself such a title. Nor can I conscientiously allow another, however
well-intentioned they may be, to call me by an unauthorized and presumptuous title. Please do not call me "reverend."

The SECOND reason is because there is not a clergy-laity distinction taught in the word of God. Webster's definition of the word "reverend" is, "Usually as a title of respect for a clergyman." But, my friends, the Bible does not speak of any distinction between Clergy Christians and Lay Christians. True, some men spend their full time in preaching, being supported by those who are members of the
Lord's body. Yet, this does not elevate them above any other disciple. All Christians are to preach the gospel. Acts 8:4, states, "They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word." Thus, each Christian is to preach the truth as they have time and opportunity, according to their ability. All Christians are deserving of respect, but, no Christian (preachers included) is entitles to wear a religious title which sets him apart or above other Christians. The ONLY religious name that we are authorized to wear is the name "Christian." Other terms such as disciple, brother, preacher, children of God, may describe some aspect of the life of the Christian. Yet, none of these are to be worn as a religious title. So, please do not call me "reverend."

A THIRD reason I do not wish to be called "reverend" is because I do not wish to be elevated above others. In Matthew 20, beginning with verse 20, we see that the disciples of the Lord were seeking positions of honor and power when Christ came into His kingdom. But notice what Christ said, "Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you; but whosoever would become great among you shall be your servant; and whosoever would be first among you shall be your
bondservant; (Matthew 20:25-27). Notice the statement of Christ immediately following the lengthy reading we began with today. "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted" Matthew 23:11-12). There is not place in God's house for one person to elevate himself or herself over and above any other member of God's people. James, chapter two, verses 1 through 9, very clearly rebukes the showing of respect of persons. All are equal in
service to Christ Jesus. The ground at the foot of the cross is equal. So, please don't call me "reverend."

The FOURTH reason that I ask you not to call me "reverend" is because none should come to think of my personal beliefs or ability as having any religious authority. It seems that many religious people allow their preachers to do their thinking and studying for them. Many accept what "reverend" so-and-so says without any serious question as to whether it is right or wrong. If "reverend" so-and-so said it, it is bound to be right. The acceptance of a title of exaltation
evidently has had an influence in producing this kind of attitude. Listen to the apostle Paul as he speaks, "Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to be beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other" (1 Corinthians 4:6). Paul said to not think of men above that which is written. It matters not how many titles, or phrases a person might have before or after their name, if he or she does not present what God's word says or teaches, you had better reject what they say. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, we hear Paul state, "And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Did you notice what this great apostle said? He did not come with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the power of God. Paul rested his case upon a thus saith the Lord. The Scribes and Pharisees, during the lifetime of our Lord, loved the chief seats and the honor to be called "Rabbi." We saw that from reading Matthew 23:6. Jesus condemned them for this
action. There are many today who love the chief seats. They love to be recognized by other men. They wear their titles, and expect others to so honor them.

We have a rather exhaustive record of the lives and activities of the Christians in the first century. We read of Paul, Peter, James, Timothy, Silas, John and many more, but not once, NOT ONE TIME, do we find such a title as "reverend" attached to any of their names. I wonder why that is?? Do you think that the inspired writers just forgot to tell us about "Reverend Paul," or "the most righteous John," or "the most excellent Timothy." Do you think it was an oversight? I do not believe so. And I believe that you can see that.

If those early disciples shunned such a practice, why should I accept it? Or anyone else, as far as that goes.

The apostle Peter states, "But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that it in you, yet with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). I have given four reasons why I request that you DO NOT call me "reverend." Can you give me a reason why men will accept the term "reverend"? It will be interesting to hear from you. Surely, if your preacher wears the term "reverend" he can give you
book, chapter, and verse from God's Word as to why he does so.

 Whose name? Jehovah!!! It would seem to be a rather fearful act to accept a term that is applied to Jehovah God. And, my friends, Jehovah God is the only one whose name should be "reverenced."

Religious titles are not authorized by the Word of God. And if we are to please our God, we must have authority for that which we do and say. Shall you just shrug your shoulders and say, "Well, it doesn't make any difference any how." Yes, it does make a difference what we believe and what we practice. And one day we shall be judged by the Word of God. Jesus said, "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge you in the last day" (John 12:48). Revelation 20:12, states, "And I say the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works." You shall be there; I shall be there. And we shall be judged by the standard of the Word of God. How serious it is that we do all things according to His Word.

If you have a question as to this lesson, or any other lesson or statement that I have made, you have our sincere invitation to ask us. We will be happy to give you book, chapter, and verse for all that we say and all that we do. You should expect nothing less. The above article was taken from Jacks radio Teachings. B C