Who art thou? What sayest thou of thyself (John 1:22).
I received a piece of mail this week which was addressed to me as Reverend David Eddmenson. I cringe every time I see that title in print or hear it audibly. There is nothing “reverend,” about me. The definition of the word “reverend,” is: deserving of deep respect or reverence. I am deserving of only one thing in and of myself! I deserve eternal death and condemnation.
Though the office of a preacher or a pastor is to be respected, and one of honor, the man who occupies the office is no different than any other sinner by nature. We are ALL sinners who come way short of the glory of God. None of us understand or seek after God, for it was Christ who came to seek and to save that which was lost. (Rom. 3:10-18, Luke 19:10) By birth and practice, there is nothing that would qualify me to be called “reverend.”
Natural and religious men and women love titles. Like the Pharisees of old, they like to be seen, honored, respected and made a fuss over as they walk through the streets of life. They desire to dress and act in a way that draws attention unto themselves, and Christ exposed them by saying, “you desire to be honored and respected and to outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Read the whole chapter of Matt. 23)
You see, dear friends, the true called servant (bond slave) and messenger of God will always distance themselves from flowery titles and the praise of men. The apostle Paul introduces himself in Romans 1:1 as simply Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. When John the Baptist was asked in John 1:22, “Who art thou? What sayest thou of thyself? He answered plain and simply, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.”
True ministers of the gospel do not desire special treatment or honorable titles. Their focus and intention is single-fold. To point sinful men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself is salvation. Paul said in 1 Cor. 2:2 “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Christ is the preacher’s Master and Message. No, don’t call me “reverend.” Simply call me David, a servant, bond slave, a voice crying in this spiritual wilderness in which we live. David Eddmenson
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