Can we call someone or be call by some honorific title? (Part 1).

[Leonardo Von]

Can we call someone or be call by some honorific title? (Part 1).

•    “But you may not be named Teacher: for one is your teacher, and you are all brothers. And give no man the name of father on earth: because one is your Father, who is in heaven. And you may not be named guides: because one is your Guide, even Christ.” (Mat 23:8-10).

In order to understand this excerpt, we need to analyze the context and concept of the words mentioned.

*First: Master* (or Teacher, depending on the version). Master is someone to be followed, imitated in virtue of his experience, wisdom, ken, virtues. For the sake of this, a master ends up being a target of attention.

The problem, here, is that the Pharisees craved for being the center of all attention of Israel’s people:

•    Mat 23:5 -> “But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,”.

As we know, only Jesus merits all this attention. Although the fame is coveted by all artists, can you be sure: it is a heavy yoke to engross people’s attention. This steals the freedom. Not to mention that, this implies in great responsibility:

•    “Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.” (Jas 3:1)

And no wonder. After all, imagine that someone stumbles or makes someone stumble in the faith in virtue of the bad testimony of the master or for their wrong teachings.

Jesus is clear:

•    Luk 12:47-48 -> “And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.”
•    Mat 18:6,7 -> “But whoever shall offend one of these little ones who believes in Me, it would be better for him that an ass's millstone were hung around his neck, and he be sunk in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For it is necessary that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”.

Although those who seeks the office of bishop desires a good work (1Tim 3:1), the question is: are the masters prepared spiritually for this? Can the masters bear the charge and privileges of their office without corrupting themselves? Paul, the greatest apostle of Christ had to receive a thorn in his flesh after receiving a great revelation so that he didn’t become proud (2Cor 12:1-10). 

So, when a man struggles against his own flesh in order to be more receptive to the operation of the Holy Spirit and be an inspiration for those around him and these one, seeing Jesus’ wisdom and love in his life, decide to imitate him, this is a blessing..

And what about us? Is our life worthy of being followed? Can we say what Paul said: “Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1Co 11:1)? Is our life a continuous manifestation of Jesus Christ in everything we do?

Have a good day shining Jesus’ wisdom as the brightness of the sky (Dan 12:3; Phil 2:14,15).