Clutching at a title or clinging to a title or holding firm to a
title is worthy of consideration in this age and in the Christian Ministry.
Looking at some industries, especially the Academic and the
medical, the issue of holding on to a title should not be debatable as this helps to distinguish the people involved in line with their status or rank or designated duty.
But in the Christian ministry, a lot of things with regards to titles are fast becoming issues with respect to the services rendered and honoured received or being given. Yet, I see ignorance, pride, carelessness and deceits at play in a lot of these issues; we should not be ignorant of the wiles of the enemy.
Romans 12:3 – 8:- For I say, through the grace given unto me, to
every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith….. Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it in simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
In the early years, offices of the priests and the prophets were without doubts remarkable, and the kings and peoples give due honor to servants of God that were occupying these offices. Their duties were clearly spelt out and no clash(es) expected. If anyone would be crossing duties without strict Godly instruction, such got punished for it.
Now, in the dispensation of grace through Jesus Christ, He first called everyone to be ‘child of GOD’ (the biggest and best title ever; if you will permit me to say so); then He empowered the called with the Holy Spirit – (Acts 1:8) to specifically propagate the Gospel of salvation. And in Revelation 1:6 – And has made us a kingdom and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Please study carefully the following: Mar k 3:13 – 19, Acts 6:1 – 7, Ephesians 4:7 -15; Titus 1:5 – 9 –Please, what did you come up with?
We have been called into serious services and not unto titles. The offices of operations should not be overtaken with the desire for titles. Let the Spirit of God lead you always (Rom.8:14).
When some people find no place among these specified in the Holy Scriptures, they tend to innovate a title of their own and in no time, the society picks it and they become known by it.
Do note that your title is not as important as the service that you are to render. It is very possible that the world system honors you with the title(s) and the heavenly system fails to recognize you with it. Beloved minister, what shall it profit you if you gain the earthly accolade, honor or title and your name is not found written in the book of life;
Luke 10:20 – Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Do not misunderstand me, it is true that title can raise your status, give you promotion in your system and open the door of ministration in some circles (where they give regard to people with titles more than others), but you must be guided in all that you do and you make sure that it is not about title first, but about your heart in true worship and service to God first, and He gives you other things in addition.
Remember Matthew 6:33 – Seek you first the Kingdom of God….”
Rev Peter Olarenwaju