We live in a cynical age. People are tired of being lied to by frauds and counterfeits. Civil legislation constantly has to be updated to safeguard the interests of innocent people who would fall prey to crooks. It seems that nearly everyone is somehow affected everywhere.

As Christians, we need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. In the age in which we live, even we who desire to spread the gospel in all earnestness must beware of the natural human tendency to try to do the right thing the wrong way.

“I’m stronger than you are,” beams the athlete as he flexes his powerful triceps before his scrawny comrades.

“But I’m smarter,” retorts the bespectacled postgraduate.

“Who cares what you think - I’m richer!” boasts the slick, polished entrepreneur.

Finally, another pipes in as the prime example of conceit: “Look, all of you are losers. I’m the real one that comes out on top because . . . guess what I am? I’m HOLIER!!!”

Yet what does the actual Holiest in the universe say to all this pride? “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23, 24).

Those who feel superior in their sanctimonious airs God describes as an annoying smoke irritating His nostrils. These are they “which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day” (Isaiah 65:5). No one likes to have to breathe smoke all day, so the Lord uses this vivid illustration to convey to us how despicable a self-righteous attitude is in His sight.

Unfortunately, every member of the human race has been bitten by the same “bug”. It is the tragic legacy of that fallen angel that prevails on our planet. But our Creator calls for a transformation in our thinking:

“The men of the world are ambitious for fame. They desire houses and lands and plenty of money, that they may be great according to the measure of the world. It is the height of their ambition to reach a place where they can look down with a sense of superiority upon those who are poor. These souls are building on the sand, and their house will fall suddenly. Superiority of position is not true greatness. That which does not increase the value of the soul is of no real value in itself.

“The qualities which shine the brightest in the world have no place in the kingdom of God. Birth, position, wealth, and high-sounding titles find no special favor with Him. Today, as when He walked among men, Christ passes these by and accepts the men and women in the humble walks of life, who have His glory in view. The words He uttered on the mount are truth for all time. ‘Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 5:19). Whatever his learning, his wealth and position, heaven estimates the transgressor as the least of all God’s creatures; and the humble and obedient are regarded as of more value than the most exalted and wealthy and honored of earth.”1

“Wait a minute,” some may think. “I’m not a worldly-minded heathen!”

“I’m not ambitious to be famous in the world or preoccupied with becoming rich!”

“What about if I am experienced and righteous in the things of God?”

“Suppose I have a higher standard of behavior and perhaps even hold a high position in the church?”

Perhaps all that may be true. Yet in such cases, the danger may be even subtler. There are many ways by which we can be trapped by the snare of self-righteousness. Here’s just one example to provide food for thought: Has the Man of Calvary authorized any to use religious titles such as “Reverend,” “Father,” or “Pastor” before one’s name? We read in Psalm 111:9 that “holy and reverend is his name” - not the name of any man or woman. Jesus gives a clear warning against assuming honorary religious titles: “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren . And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:1-11, emphasis added).

This concept is opposite to that goal of Ignatius Loyola, whose aim was for the multitudes to become “perinde acsi cadaver esset” (just as though one were a corpse) in utter submission to religious “superiors.” But God does not lead earnest souls in such a direction. In stark contrast to that type of mentality, Jesus assures us, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9, emphasis supplied).

That means good, fresh pasture can be found directly through Christ. No human intercessor is to stand between the soul and the Saviour. The “green pastures” in which we are welcome to “lie down” (Psalm 23:2) are found in communion with the Majesty of heaven - the Lord Jesus Himself.

The real credibility of the apostles came from the sincerity of their walk with Christ, having a conscience void of offense before God and humanity. They were not hypocrites (hypo meaning “lower” than their “credence” - what they believed.) Their life in practice was in exact harmony with their faith; they lived what they believed. This is what made them convincing and gave them credibility.

It is possible that since - according to the command of Christ - all are brethren, the title “Elder” might be used for a minister. But that would simply be an indication that he is an elder brother. To such the admonition comes: “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-3).

The Lord gives a blessed promise to those whom He calls to live the sacrificial life necessary to succeed as a true elder brother with genuineness in the sight of Heaven (not earth): “When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (verse 4). That crown of glory is given at the coming of Christ - not by pasting an extra title onto one’s name. Real credibility in Christianity is something that is earned by the unselfish action of a charitable heart. Such an attitude will be genuinely appreciated and appropriately honored.

“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (verse 5, emphasis added).

“Christ’s life on earth was meek and lowly. . . . For our sake He stepped down from His royal throne and clothed His divinity with humanity. He laid aside His royal robe, His kingly crown, that He might be one with us. He resigned His position as Commander in the heavenly courts, and for our sake became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. He hid His glory under the guise of humanity, that His divine, transforming power might touch humanity.

“While on earth Christ lived in the home of a peasant. He wore the best garments His parents could provide, but they were the humble garments of the peasants. He walked the rough paths of Nazareth and climbed the steeps of its hillsides and mountains. In His home He was a constant worker and left on record a life filled with useful deeds.”2

“Christ, the Lord of the whole earth, was a humble artisan. He was unrecognized, neglected, and despised. But He held His commission and authority from the highest power, the Sovereign of heaven. Angels were His attendants, for Christ was doing His Father’s business just as much when toiling at the bench as a carpenter, as when working miracles for the multitude. But He concealed the secret from the world. He attached no high titles to His name to make His position understood, but He lived the royal law of God. . . .

“His work was not the priestly office after the appointments of men. It was impossible for man to understand His exalted position, unless the Holy Spirit should make it known.”3

Yes, people who are not in tune with the Holy Spirit may misunderstand your position in life or in the church as you follow in the Master’s footsteps. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for so they misunderstood your divine Master. It is written of Jesus that “the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:28, 29). What was wrong with the scribes? In Matthew 23:23-33, Christ vividly explains it. Their works did not harmonize with their profession. They failed to practice what they preached.

“The Majesty of Heaven, whom angels worshiped, who was rich in honor, splendor, and glory, came to the earth, and when He found Himself in fashion as a man, He did not plead His refined nature as an excuse to hold Himself aloof from the unfortunate. He was found in His work among the afflicted, the poor, distressed, and needy ones. Christ was the embodiment of refinement and purity. His was an exalted life and character, yet He was found in His labor, not among men of high-sounding titles, not among the most honorable of this world, but with the despised and needy. ‘I came,’ says the divine Teacher, ‘to save that which was lost.’ Yes, the Majesty of Heaven was ever found working to help those who most needed help. May the example of Christ put to shame the excuses of that class who are so attracted to their poor self that they consider it beneath their refined taste and their high calling to help the most helpless. Such have taken a position higher than their Lord, and in the end will be astonished to find themselves even lower than that class, to mingle with, and to work for whom, shocked their refined, sensitive natures. True, it may not always be agreeable or pleasant to unite with the Master and be coworkers with Him in helping the very class who stand most in need of help. But this is the work Christ humbled Himself to do. Is the servant greater than his Lord? He has given the example and enjoins upon us to copy it. It may be disagreeable, yet duty demands that just such a work be performed.”4

Meanwhile, what is to be my attitude toward fellow members of Christ’s flock?

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). That does not mean to view our brethren as equals. It actually means to look up to them - all of them.

“True value is shown far more by works than by assertions, or by tearing one another down to build self up. . . .

“Mutual love must be cherished at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances. This is the credential which we bear to the world, that God has sent His Son Jesus to die, to bring back the moral image of God in man: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’ (John 13:35). This love cultivated, becomes an abiding principle, and is effectual in rooting out dissensions and divisions among brethren. . . . Professed Christian churches are often ruined by their own unchristian course toward one another.”5

“The call that [Christ] gave to the humble fishermen on the shores of Galilee He gives to each soul. ‘Follow me,’ He says, ‘and I will make you fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:19). . . .

“You will have some estimate of your own worth when you become a laborer together with Christ, to fill the world with His righteousness. The Lord expects you to proclaim the message, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Matthew 10:7). You are to work to bless those who have no sense of their need of a new heart, a new life and purpose. Someone must tell sinners of their great need; and those whom God has accepted as His sons and daughters must work as Christ worked. ‘If any man will come after me,’ the Saviour said, ‘let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24). Those who heed this call will study the meekness and lowliness of Christ and will join with Him in His efforts to make the world better.

“The commission Christ gave to the disciples He gives to all connected with Him. We are to make any and every sacrifice for the joy of seeing souls saved. Whatever work is done in the name of Jesus to bless and elevate and restore human beings to the image of God is as acceptable to the Lord as was the work of Moses or Joseph or Daniel. You who are the elect and chosen ones are to receive the divine commission to yoke up with Christ. You must never grow weary in well-doing. The highest honor that can be conferred upon human beings, be they young or old, rich or poor, is to be permitted to lift up the oppressed, comfort the feeble-minded, and support the weak. The world is full of suffering; go, heal the sick, pray for the hopeless, preach the gospel to the poor.”6

Remember, when the call came to Moses, he “answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand?” (Exodus 4:1, 2, emphasis supplied).

What is in your hand - and in mine? God is more than willing to empower our daily life to promote deliverance of souls from the bondage of sin. Titles are vain, talk is cheap, but action carries authority!