Life Abroad @ Valor ~ You Are Not to be Called Rabbi

 

I have a dear friend who is a constant source of encouragement to me by his mindfulness of my family in his daily prayers and his thoughtful words of affirmation expressed in the pithiest of emails.  He has, however, one habit that is, for me, an indirect admonishment.  He makes a practice of calling me "rabbi."  Now, he is so good-natured and devoted to my well-being that I would never call into question his motivations, but . . . . he also well knows this instruction from lips of Jesus:

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:8–12)

Here in Korea, honorific titles are very important.  It is part and parcel of Confucian culture to address a teacher with the approciate title.  Within the academy, I am most often called "teacher," and sometimes either "professor" or "doctor" (due to my JD degree; despite my explaining that a JD does not entitle one in the American academy to be addressed as "doctor.")  

Within the church communities of Korea, those who are in positions of ministry are addressed as "pastor" or "reverend."  There are a few occasions where a person will actually insist upon being addressed as "pastor" or "reverend."  This is especially troubling to my soul.  Particularly when the person insisting upon the honorific title may not even hold authentic credentials of ordination.  It appears that Phariseeism may indeed be alive and well here in the East even as it is most assuredly in the West.

But what does Jesus have to say to all those who would expect or require an honorific title when being addressed?  Is Christ's teaching in Matthew 23 taught in our seminaries?  Did Jesus actually mean what he said?  Am I to spiritualize his instruction or am I to obey it's simple and direct meaning?  Call no one "rabbi"; call no one "father"; call no one "instructor" or "teacher" (καθηγηταί).  And, if I am to call no one by these titles, then surely I should not be addressed by any of them as well!

The simplest solution to this cross-cultural dilemma appears to me to be plainly following Jesus.  Jesus was and is counter in every culture.  We are exhorted by the Apostle Paul to present our very lives as a living sacrifice submitted to Christ's will in each moment of every day.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2)

Living in counter-distinction from the world's culture (whether that is Korean culture or American culture or any other human culture) around us is not optional for the follower of Jesus.  It is the very essence of walking each day in the presence of Christ by living out the mystery -- Christ in you, the hope of glory!  While I deeply appreciate the thoughtful encouragement of my dear brother, may we together take heed to Jesus culture transforming commands! 

"You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. . . . Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ."