The New Way

Don't be called teacher (rabbi) or leader.  I don't believe Jesus is talking about the title so much as our attitude toward the title.   If you come into a room assuming that you are superior in any way to those that you teach – you are not obeying this teaching.   I taught for years from a position of superiority.  I thought I was better than everyone else and they needed to learn what I already knew.   But God has corrected my attitude through the years.   

Now when I enter a teaching situation, I consciously submit myself to God as a fellow student.   God has brought the class together for one purpose:  for Him to teach anybody who wants to learn.   If my attitude can be one of a fellow student – then I can learn from God and from my fellow students and I can share with them what God has taught me – but it has to be from a heart that is humble and transparent and open to God's truth.   If there is even a shred of superiority, Satan will use it to mess up the class and no one will learn anything!

While we should show respect to our spiritual pastors, teachers, and leaders, we must keep our eyes focused on Jesus.   We are all God's servants and all sinners who have simply invited Jesus into our lives.  All glory and praise belong to God!

And yes, Jesus states clearly that we should not call our spiritual leaders “Father.”   I called my biological father, “Daddy,” and felt uncomfortable when he was referred to as my father.   I only have one Father.      

In His service, dale