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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Are you in the clergy? Or are you a lay person? If you are a Christian, you should answer both questions the same: \u201cYes!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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 <\/em>(people). In the Old Testament, Israel distinguished between its priesthood and \u201cthe people\u201d in general. Only certain Levites who were male descendants of Moses\u2019 brother, Aaron, were priests.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The New Testament, however, recognizes no such difference among Christians. In fact, Peter tells the Christians to whom he is writing that they are \u201cbuilt up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ\u201d<\/em> (1 Peter 2:5). To the same people he writes, \u201cBut you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people\u201d<\/em> (1 Peter 2:9).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Every Christian, then, serves God as a priest under the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Thus the Hebrews writer exhorts: \u201cTherefore by Him <\/em>(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\u201d <\/em>(Hebrews 13:15).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Since there is no distinction in the Lord\u2019s 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. \u201cBut you, do not be called \u2018Rabbi\u2019; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren\u201d<\/em> (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\u2019s disciples are brethren.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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\u2019s word sanctions none of it.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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!<\/span><\/p>\n