When I read and hear how leaders in the Christian churches are taking God’s glory. I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images (Isaiah 42:8).
It grieves my spirit; my heart aches! The word that belong to God only; not a title. In fact, Jesus was against titles.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:9-12).
Twenty five years ago, most pastors that I was affiliated with used “pastor” to let their position be known and took the reverend off. These same pastors were using the word as a title (putting a handle on their names).
Thank the Lord, their eyes were opened to the truth when it came to reverend. Even with that being said, many of them still give the impression that the position as pastor is an elevated one. It is NOT! It should be the position of servant.
Example of elevated positions- You should take care of the man of God. The Bible does say not to put a muzzle on the ox that feeds you For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18), but when they are taking advantage of people that’s different, and using the Word of God to manipulate others, is downright wicked.
God said He would not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). The Word of God says, “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:9). This is why people need to take heed to the warning. Reverend - Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb σέβομαι (sebomai), meaning "to revere" or "to worship."(Strong’s Concordance).
Bible hub- Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that dignity and respect are due those entrusted with leadership roles. For instance, the apostle Paul taught that elders who lead well are “worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Meanwhile, Hebrews 13:17 exhorts believers to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls.” Though the exact word “Reverend” does not appear in the Bible, the concept of honoring leaders who serve faithfully finds precedent in these instructions.
Betty -Rightly dividing the truth. Double honor to those who lead well- I agree, but the Word never says to worship them or put leaders on a pedestal. We should obey those who watch over us, that is the ones who are true to the call. We are told to: Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king (1 Peter 2:17).
Some people may have used this word out of ignorance. That’s why it is important to search for answers and get to know the truth. The word reverend didn’t sound appropriate for clergy when I found out the name meant.
Some may know the truth and continue to use the name; if so that person is prideful. The worse yet is some of these clergy are calling themselves “Right Reverend” which is really putting themselves on a pedestal! Lord help them!!! FYI- reverend is not a calling or an office. From that being said, it leads me to believe that some people don’t know what they’ve been called to do.
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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