Imagine a man who has been the Pastor of a Protestant denomination for over 15 years secretly studying Orthodox Christianity and practicing a prayer rule. He’s highly regarded by the community and peers in the ministry for his character and teaching and preaching ability. Yet he comes to a point where he can no longer remain in the church he has known since childhood and becomes chrismated. He’s no longer recognized by the titles, ‘Reverend’ and ‘Pastor.’ In the parish, everyone calls ‘Rob’ and there are no guarantees he’ll ever be ordained to any office of the Church.
Moses was far from being a religious leader at his conversion. A leader of bandits and criminals, yes. But still a man of stature and authority. Being accepted now into the brotherhood of monastic Christian men he had to accept the humble status of being a novice, beginner, the lowest of the brotherhood. He had to build his cell in a place furthest away from a water source and was assigned to bring water to the sick and elderly monks. Quite a step back for a man who used to give commands.
Our society in general and church circles in particular loves titles. People aim for the seats of honor and have folks fawn over them. It used to be enough to be called, ‘Pastor, Reverend’ or ‘Minister’ in most denominations and non-denominational churches. ‘Doctor’ was given to the theologically trained and there were a few ‘Bishops’ as well. Modern Christianity uses a few scriptures to give rise to a plethora of ‘Apostles, Bishops, Prophets,’ and other ministerial callings and offices. Shortly, we might even see a Christian Ayatollah.
Moses was not searching for a place of authority. He wanted to purify himself and live as an angel before God and men. Fulfilling this goal begins with humility. Both Testaments teach us that God gives grace to the humble. We look at the prayer of the tax collector and find his actions and words justifying him. Our Lord taught that the greatest among us is the one who serves and He did so with His very life.
It is good for anyone to desire to serve in the Church. Don’t let the position you aim for or hold blind you to the essential character needed for salvation. Without humility, an office or title means nothing.
Desert Fathers Dispatch 