In Matthew 23:1-30, Jesus warns his disciples to avoid the love of worldly pride and prestige that were enjoyed by the religious leadership of the time. In his words, Jesus emphasizes the importance of recognizing God alone as the supreme authority of all things. He further reminds his disciples that he himself, Jesus, is the only individual they should consider as their Master. This is because through the sacrifice of his perfect life on behalf of mankind, Jesus provided a “ransom price” for mankind (1 Timothy 2:5-6). In a very real sense, Jesus “purchased” mankind (1 Peter 1:18-20), and thus it is an appropriate thought for us to consider Jesus as our Master.
Those who seek to follow Jesus’s teachings and, like him, develop a character pleasing to God, should be therefore wary of any individual assigning themselves a title that places themselves above others. Galatians 3:28 reminds us of how all who have consecrated their lives to God are considered equal, and no one is above any other. A heart that seeks to place itself above others through the application of a title is not in harmony with this thought.
Consider further Jesus’s words in John 13. After washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus reminds them that although he is their Master, he served them. He reminds his disciples that he expects this same attitude of servitude towards one’s brethren from all who would seek to follow him. Seeking a title that places one above one’s brethren or fellow humans would be in contradiction to this direction.
In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul speaks of the calling he felt so deeply in his heart that he devoted his entire life to it. In these verses, Paul discusses how the single purpose of his life, “this one thing I do,” is pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” This “high calling” is the only calling open to those who would seek to serve and follow God during the present age. It is the narrow way of self-sacrifice and devotion to God and God alone (Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 22:37-39). It is the calling to devote one’s life to setting aside the fleeting pursuits, pleasures and titles of this world in favor of the development of a heart and mind that mirrors, to the best of our imperfect ability, that of the example Jesus left for us. Any calling claiming to be something different should therefore be looked at with a high degree of skepticism, and if found to be in contradiction with the one calling of this age, the “high calling,” discarded.
Most Bible Students believe the present time is the transition point between the end of the age that started at Jesus’s time, and the beginning of the next age in God’s grand plan for mankind. As such, most believe that many aspects of Jesus’s great prophecy recorded in Matthew 24 apply to the present time. Part of this prophecy recorded in verse 11 warns of false prophets that will arise during this time. Throughout the centuries since Jesus’s time, there have undoubtedly been individuals who could accurately be described as “false prophets.” However, Jesus’s words place a special emphasis on the need to be wary of them at the end of the age.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that those who seek to serve God are able to rely on the scriptures alone for the source of all knowledge necessary to respond to the “high calling” successfully. As such, all who seek the reward of the “high calling” should expect to look no further than the Bible for everything necessary for the completion of their development. Over the centuries, many earnest hearts have also studied God’s word and plan, and called ones today certainly benefit from their works. However, these works are firmly rooted in the Scriptures themselves. Works worthy of consideration can also be recognized by the extent to which they harmonize with the character and teachings of Jesus, who we are to take as our perfect example of one who is pleasing to God.
As one continues to develop a character pleasing to God through study and service to one’s brethren and to mankind, God will, if He so chooses, bless one’s heart with a greater and surer understanding of His plan for mankind. As one progresses in heart development and in knowledge, one will, if it pleases God, feel as if one is drawn closer to God (James 4:8). However, these blessings do not make one a prophet; nor does it place one above one’s fellow brethren. Those seeking to serve God during this age should also be extremely wary of any who apply such titles or positions to themselves. All such are well to maintaining a course in life that remembers that God, and God alone, is to be placed first and foremost, and that the way to please and approach him is through His beloved son, our Master, Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 8:6).
