The Bane of ‘Clerical’ Titles

"A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?” (Mal 1:6)

Our Lord Jesus spoke explicitly in Matthew 23:1-11, that we should practice the art of ardent simplicity and humility; for every trace of display of superiority over our fellow human beings amounts to pride and arrogance; its consequences being disgrace and humiliation! 

According to this Scripture, we are not to call others ‘Teachers,’ Masters,’ and ‘Fathers,’ for we have only One in heaven who bears these titles. Who are we to equal ourselves to Him? By the way, where did we get these titles from? Where can we trace the history or origin of the ‘clerical’ titles?

“But isn’t rank "ordained" in the Bible? You know: elders, deacons and bishops—the ordained clergy versus the common lay members or laity. Where do these words, "clergy" and "laity", come from anyway? Are they in the Bible?”  -John Bair (from the article ’The Origin & Implication of ‘Clergy’ & “Laity’)

From all indications, there had been a very sharp diversion or departure from the original Acts of Apostles’ Christianity to an apostate development which might have come in the 4^th Century.

“With the legalization of Christianity in the fourth century came a number of other unhealthy developments, not least of which was the increased appropriation of Roman politics. Extensive legal privileges (including complete tax exemption) turned the priesthood into a lucrative and rewarding career. Bishops drifted even further from the congregations they "served," often leaving smaller churches for more prestigious ones. As "the clergy" continued to develop, so did the concept of "the laity," which at this time was defined more broadly…”  -Mark M. Mattison (from the article ‘The Rise of the Clergy’)

We just have to learn the practice of truth in the Bible very strictly or else the evil influence of the doctrine of men which is the product of the devil’s falsehood will continue to contaminate our faith in God! Let us use the example of the ambition of the sons of Zebedee who sought favor of the Lord to place them above their fellow disciples; 

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. "And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mk 10:42-45) NKJV

And to correct the wrong impression the behavior of John and James who wanted to introduce discord among the disciples Jesus continued;

"And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all."For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (vv 44,45)