By Apostle Richard Wright
“For many are called, but few are chosen…” (Matthew 22:14)
Those who are chosen are those who will boldly accept the call. There is a renewed trend in the Church today to drop all titles. There are various reasons for this and among them are: 1.) A false humility, 2.) a fear of not being received by man, 3.) an unscriptural belief system, and/or an old religious belief about ministries.
The really strange thing about this is that those who are dropping their scriptural titles are still using titles, but they are unscriptural: Titles like “senior leader”, or “doctor”, or “brother”. The list goes on and just seems like a huge attempt to avoid calling ourselves what Jesus calls us.
If titles are used, in many cases they are not those that describe our calling. Many apostles today are calling themselves “senior pastor” and when asked why, the response is usually “apostle is not accepted”. Not accepted by who? Certainly not by the Lord, so now we have a clear indication of ministries walking in the fear of man.
If you are not calling yourself what Jesus calls you, then you are denying the call of God on your life. You are also robbing the Body of that gift. “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41)
All through the bible we see that names are very important to the Lord, even to the point that He often changes names to describe the function and calling of individuals.
Matthew 16:15-17, “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’”
Notice that Peter (who had the correct answer) did not answer and say, “Yes, I know who you are; You are Jesus.” In fact, His disciples never called Him Jesus, but by titles only. (Remember that titles show function and authority as well as respect.) The title used most by His disciples was that of “teacher”. They also called Him “Lord”, “Master”, etc.
Matthew 26:18, “And He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man, and SAY to him, THE TEACHER SAYS, My time is at hand; I am to keep the passover at your house with My disciples.’” Here we see Jesus instructing His disciples to use a title when speaking of Him to others.
And, speaking of teachers, this seems to be a title rarely used even by those who are using scriptural titles. Titles do not a ministry make, but they are a way to show respect and authority. The use of a title is the only way to receive the full anointing of the ministry you are addressing.
Paul began all of his letters to the churches by calling himself an apostle. He was not ashamed of his calling, nor afraid that he would not be received by anyone.
Why are so many bothered and even upset when biblical titles are used? Christianity will never accept biblical titles until the Church uses them consistently.
Let’s show respect and honor where it is due. Most christians don’t have a problem using titles in the world such as Dr., Congressman, Mr. President, Senator, Mom, Dad, and many others, so what is the problem?
Do not deny your calling by influence from adult peer pressure!
P.S. Reverend, Holy Father and the like are not biblical titles.