ARE YOU A REVEREND?

By Ryan Hicks

Psalms 111:9
9  He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. 

There are many "ministers" running around today calling themselves by many titles, but the most egregious title they have chosen to call themselves is by the title "Reverend." The pride and evil that goes behind so many people looking for a better name and a higher title for themselves is against the gospel of Christ which commands men to deny self (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34). The calling of oneself a "Reverend" is taking a title ascribed to God's name alone, and pridefully thinking you deserve the same title.

Romans 12:3
3  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 hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Minister, do you think of yourself more highly than you ought to? Do you view yourself as above or lording over those God has entrusted you to minister to? You may have a position in authority over some saints, but you are not any better than them. You have not earned a title ascribed to God alone! You are only where you are because of the grace of God. You did not earn more grace than another believer and the only name that should be called Reverend in the church is the name of Jesus! You should be exalting the Lord Jesus and denying self. Stop trying to build yourself up and make a better name for yourself.

Philippians 2:9-11
9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ephesians 1:19-23
19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Instead of trying to earn yourself new titles and give yourself a great name, how about you recognize that HIS NAME, THE NAME OF JESUS, is above every name, including your name! If you want to ever be in God's will then you will have to settle in your heart to have the same mindset of John the Baptist when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).