09/27/2026
Some of us have become so focused on titles, positions, and recognition within the Body of Christ that we can lose sight of what matters most to God. We should ask ourselves: When we stand before God in judgment, will He be concerned with the titles people called us, or with whether we faithfully obeyed Him and fulfilled what He called us to do?
We should never become so attached to a title that we are offended when someone simply calls us by our name. A title does not make us more valuable to God, nor does it automatically prove that we have been called or appointed by Him. Our identity must first be rooted in Jesus Christ, not in being recognized as Apostle, Prophet, Bishop, Pastor, Elder, Evangelist, or any other position.
Jesus warned against seeking recognition and honor from people:
Matthew 23:8–12 teaches that we are not to exalt ourselves, because “he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
Paul also reminds us in Romans 12:3 not to think of ourselves “more highly than he ought to think,” but to walk with humility and sober judgment.
Scripture does recognize God-given ministry functions and leadership roles. Ephesians 4:11–12 says Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry.” But a biblical ministry calling is about service and responsibility, not self-exaltation.
We must also be careful about claiming positions that God has not given us. Hebrews 5:4 says, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God.” We should desire God’s calling more than man’s recognition.
Ultimately, when we stand before Christ, Scripture says that each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:10–12), and 2 Corinthians 5:10 teaches that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
So let us stop allowing titles to become the foundation of our identity. If someone calls you by your name instead of your title, there should be no offense. Walk humbly. Serve faithfully. Let your life, character, fruit, and obedience testify to God’s calling upon you.
Your title does not validate your calling—God does. And if God called you, you do not have to demand recognition from people to prove it.
Please don’t misunderstand this message. The titles and ministry offices themselves are not necessarily wrong—Scripture clearly identifies apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers, elders, overseers, and deacons. The concern is when the title becomes a source of pride, identity, status, or something a person claims without God’s calling and biblical character.
