The young Elihu addressed his words primarily to the suffering Job and said, “Let me not be partial to a man. and I will not give the title to a man from the earth; because I really do not know how to control a title; my Creator would easily remove me. Should we conclude that it is wrong to use titles to address men? Or is it appropriate to use titles in certain circumstances?
It should be noted that Eliú linked the assignment of a title to the partiality tests. Therefore, he did not use praise in his comments about Job and did not allow Job's mourners to influence what he said. Elihu followed the principle of the law that was later given to Israel: "As for the humble, you must not show any preference in your dispute." Age and place. He presented things that they really were and did not flatter Job's companions by giving them a title and then letting them influence his speech.
Elihus' example shows that it would be wrong to create flattering headlines. This partial treatment leads to unjust behavior and dissatisfaction from God, Elliú acknowledged, as evidenced by his words, "My Creator would take me lightly," that is, in his anger. - Work 32:22.
Since the Christian community is an "association of brothers," any title that elevates one Christian over another would be entirely appropriate. In addition, the Church has only one God-appointed leader, Jesus Christ. The Son of God said to his disciples: “Do not call yourselves a rabbi, for one is your teacher, while you are all brothers. Do not call anyone, not even your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly. Nor are they called "rulers" because their head is one, Christ. "- Matthew 23: 8-10.
These words of Jesus were generally ignored by the clergy of Christianity. But not everyone was brave enough to own the titles. For example, the well-known biblical commentator Albert Barnes personally rejected the title "Doctor of Divinity" as a violation of the teachings of Christ. He wrote: “Jesus forbade his disciples to search for these specific titles. The reason he gave was that he himself was her teacher and teacher. They were on one level; they must have the same authority; they were brothers; and they may not seek or receive a title that entails exaltation or that seems to violate the Savior's absolute right to be their only teacher and teacher. . . . [The title [Rabbi] corresponds to the title "Doctor of Divinity" applied to the preachers of the gospel; And from what I can see, the reception of such a title is contrary to the spirit of the Savior's commandment. . . It tends to introduce pride and a sense of superiority in those who receive it; and envy and inferiority of those who do not; and all his spirit and tendency are contrary to the "simplicity of Christ." ""
When professing Christians try to be treated with titles such as "Doctor of Divinity", "Father", "Reverend" and the like, they obviously have to answer to God for it. It really does not force others to treat them as such. Those who take Jesus' words seriously actually reject them. They do not want to give the impression that they are in any way supporting the use of unbiblical titles.
Does it make any kind of headline wrong? No, he does not. There are titles that simply recognize the secular profession of a particular person. This would be the case for titles relating to government officials or people with specific professions, such as medicine, law or science. The basic rule that should guide Christians in the use of these titles is the statement of Jesus: "Pay ... what the emperor has to the emperor, but the things of God to God."
Of course, it would not be doubtful to turn to governors with their titles, as long as these titles do not give them an honor that legitimately belongs only to the Supreme. Mortals are not Christian saviors, nor do all blessings flow through them. The titles that such things ascribe to mankind would therefore be disgusting to God's servants.
However, there are many titles of respectful leadership that Christians can use in good conscience. For example, the apostle Paul called the Roman governor Festus "his supreme court". (Acts 26:25.) Likewise, true Christians today are not opposed to the use of titles such as "His Glory," "His Highness," "His Majesty," and others that resemble to men in high legal or governmental fields. The use of these titles is in accordance with the advice of the Bible: "Give all your functions." . . for those who cry glory, so much glory. ""
“For the love of the Lord, you submit to all human creation: be a king as superior or a governor sent by him to punish errors. . . Men of honor of all kinds. "- 1 Peter 2: 13-17.
Governor, judge, king, president and others are of course human. These are artificial positions. But Jehovah God established the government. Therefore, Christians properly respect the positions held by men and accord them the honor appropriate to their ministry. Christians do not need to oppose a determination that Jehovah God has authorized. To prove that they are submitting to power in power, they use the usual titles that officials can claim for themselves.
Christian use of titles with respectful address would not proclaim wrongdoing. It is not your responsibility to judge the men of the world. While some people can be corrupt, it doesn't change whether they are in a position that requires one or more titles. If someone abuses his authority, the Christian has no right to disrespect him. The advice of the Bible is: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give way to anger; because it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will pay, says Jehovah. "" - gypsies. 12:19.
Therefore, the scriptures make it clear that it is appropriate to use titles that recognize a person's authority or legitimate position. But Jesus' words at Matthew 23: 6-12 clearly prohibit the use of flattering titles among those who claim to be his followers.