Clergy or Laity?
Ponder: The meaning of “clergy” and “laity.”
Scripture: “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7, NKJV)
Are you in the clergy? Or are you a lay person? If you are a Christian, you should answer both questions the same: “Yes!”
“Clergy” goes back through the English and French languages to a Latin word meaning “priest.” “Laity,” on the other hand, comes from the Greek word “laos” (people). In the Old Testament, the Israelites distinguished between their priests and the people in general. Only male descendants of Moses’ brother, Aaron, were priests.
The New Testament makes no such distinction among Christians. In fact, Peter tells Christians that they are “built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood . . .” (1 Peter 2:5). To the same Christians he wrote: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . . (2:9). Every Christian, then, serves God as a priest under the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. “Therefore by Him (i.e. by Jesus Christ) let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Since all Christians are priests, with no distinctions among them, all Christians are also the laity (common people). Jesus taught against self-exaltation. “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren” (Matthew 23:8). The next two verses continue the prohibition against religious titles such as Teacher (Master) and Father. In principle, these are no different than Reverend, Pastor, Doctor, or other titles men have invented to elevate themselves above their brethren. All such titles are divisive, and violate the teaching that Christ’s disciples are all brethren.
Away with the titles, robes, collars, and anything else that would distinguish among brethren! What higher station could we desire than simply to be faithful Christians? Let us be thankful and humbled to be priests of God under the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ!
Song: “God’s Family”
Prayer: Righteous Father in heaven, what a joy and honor it is to be your children. You have given us the privilege of wearing the name of Your beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. May we ever seek to glorify Him, and to humble ourselves. In His name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)