Are you in the clergy? Or are you a lay person? If you are a Christian, you should answer both questions the same: “Yes!”
Our word 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, Israel distinguished between its priesthood and “the people” in general. Only certain Levites who were male descendants of Moses’ brother, Aaron, were priests.
The New Testament, however, recognizes no such difference among Christians. In fact, Peter tells the Christians to whom he is writing that they are “built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). To the same people he writes, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Peter 2:9).
Every Christian, then, serves God as a priest under the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Thus the Hebrews writer exhorts: “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 there is no distinction in the Lord’s church between priests and non-priests, all Christians are also the laity (the common people). Our Lord has instructed that no one seek 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 same prohibition against religious titles such as Father and Teacher (Master). In principle, these are no different than Reverend, Doctor, Pastor, or any other title men might invent to elevate themselves above their brethren. All such titles are divisive and violate the teaching that Christ’s disciples are brethren.
Titles are not the only means of making such artificial distinctions. Robes, collars, and other special items of clothing are commonly used in the religious world to make certain individuals stand apart from the common people. God’s word sanctions none of it.
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 Christ. And let us seek not to exalt ourselves, but to exalt Him who is worthy of the highest praise of earth and heaven!
