THE TITLE WAVE

The Title Wave

1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…

2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)

It is worth noting that although Paul did possess the gifting of an apostle, he never referred to himself as “Apostle Paul.” Have you noticed how some individuals take on titles that they don’t actually deserve? It’s particularly concerning when people who excel in one area falsely claim expertise in another. For instance, I’ve seen intercessors who have taken on the title of Apostle, despite lacking the necessary gifting. This type of behavior is misleading and can lead to confusion and disillusionment. It’s important that we honor individuals for the unique gifting they possess, rather than trying to inflate their importance with false titles.

In this day and age, we are blessed to have true apostles among us, but unfortunately, there are also those who are false. However, this is not a new issue. In fact, even the Lord himself addressed this within the church of Ephesus. As stated in Revelation 2:2, the Lord said, “I know your deeds, your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men. You put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not. You found them to be false.”

Let us take this as a reminder to be vigilant and discerning when it comes to those who claim to be apostles. We must put them to the test and ensure their authenticity. Only then can we be certain that we are following the true apostles who are sent by the Lord.

May we all have the wisdom and discernment to recognize the true from the false, and may we always follow the path that leads us closer to the Lord and not a title.

A Church in South Florida

Years ago, I spoke in a church in South Florida. Everyone in the church had a title. There were many who called themselves Pastor, others Apostle, some Prophets, many had Evangelist others Missionary and on and on.

“I was quite annoyed at how nonchalantly people were using their titles. When I went up to the pulpit, I greeted everyone and then made a statement, “I notice that all of you have a title. It’s okay to have a title if you can prove that you have the qualities and achievements that come with that title. So, if you claim to be a prophet, read my thoughts and prophesy to me. And if you call yourself an evangelist, show me the fruits of your evangelism. Where are the souls that you have led to the Lord?” Of course, no one came forward to respond.”

It is evident that some intercessors have assumed the titles of Apostle and Prophet without possessing the requisite authority and fruit that these gifts demand. This is an issue that cannot be overlooked, and we must address it head-on. It is essential to recognize the importance of authenticity and humility in exercising these roles and gifts, and I am confident that as a community, we can strive towards embodying these values and serving one another with excellence.

There are some individuals who use titles to flaunt their importance and feel entitled. Even though they carry the title of Pastor, they do not take care of their congregation. Over the years, I have observed that many of these people are bullies instead of servants.

When asked about the name to use for addressing me, I politely responded with my given name, Ken. However, I humbly requested that if a title must be given, kindly refrain from using the term “pastor”. I then cordially explained my unique abilities and the nature of my service.

We’re Called to Serve

The word of God boldly proclaims in Acts 10:38 that Jesus healed all who were oppressed by the devil and spent his time doing good. It’s easy to imagine him lending a helping hand to a widow, spending time with sinners, and even cooking meals for his disciples. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Let’s confidently embrace this calling, serving the Lord and our fellow human beings with the same unwavering commitment and purpose that Jesus demonstrated.

The five-fold gifting is a great power that has been bestowed upon us, and with great power comes great responsibility. It is our duty to let go of any sense of entitlement and instead channel our gifts towards serving the body of Christ and society at large. Our selfless efforts can make a significant difference in the world, and we cannot afford to ignore this calling.

Let us come together and pledge to continue working towards the betterment of our community. Remember, the true measure of our greatness lies not in what we achieve for ourselves, but what we do for others.

Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with Your love and passion. Let our desire be to love and serve You and our fellow man. Take away our stony heart and give us Your heart.

Today I make a declaration of faith to You that I will not casually pick up a title but my heart will be to serve. I pray this is the name of Your son, Yeshua.