Where are All the Mahatmas?

The Merriam Webster word of the day is "mahatma."  http://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/2010/12/30/ --  a person to be revered for high-mindedness, wisdom and selflessness.    The moment I saw the word "revered" I thought about all the "reverends" I know.  And I thought of how that word is generally self-attributed and very much overused to the point of abuse.   


It really galls me when people say my name is 'reverend doe.  Sometimes my follow-up question is what did your mother name you?"  (Of course, this is no different from people who say my name is Doctor Doe or Attorney Doe or -- or Evangelist Doe -- or my all-time grating-on-my-nerves one -- Lady Minister Doe.   News flash folks:  Your name is not your title or what you do for a living.     


The one time I saw "Rev. Andrea Hoxie" in an article written by the late "Bud" Johnson, one of my dearest sparring partners (verbal, of course), I had to give him a call; we had a serious conversation, including a little discussion of Psalm 111:9.


Words are important.  They encourage, convict, condemn, support, dissappoint, exhort, admonish, and deify -- or at least, attempt to do so.  Sometimes they begin with a thought; sometimes not.  These words I write today began with a thought -- primarily the possibility of offending those whom I love and respect, some of whom are oftentimes referred to by that "R" word. And then, I thought of those folks, and remembered why I respect them.  They accept me as I am, including the sometimes radical and unconventional Andrea who goes against the grain.   Even when we agree to disagree, it is without condemnation.  


Some folks are probably thinking right now:  Why would she write something so offensive?  So inflammatory?  What difference does is make that we call our priests, preachers, pastors and ministers "Reverend"?   Well, consider this:  Does it make a difference when someone calls you a receptionist when you're a secretary?  A gal when you're an administrator?  A secretary when you're a paralegal?  A boy when you're a man?  A hooker, prostitute or whore when you have reserved your body exclusively for your spouse?  


Words do matter.   We speak them and they take life, become flesh.  How many children have taken paths uttered by mean-spirited, impatient, ignorant folks who told them they would never amount to anything?  Yes, words matter.  


So, now, a few questions:  

• Does that certificate of ordination, license to preach, divinity degree, or your spouse's call to the ministry justify use of the handle Rev.?   
• Do you preach and teach God's word with authority, and then live as if there is no God, or as if He is blind and deaf?
• Do your beliefs, thoughts, attitude, behavior, and actions reflect reverend?
• Do you try to justify extra privileges to accorded to you because you use the handle?
• Is your general comportment the same whether you are at or away from home?

In other words, are you truly  a mahatma?  Or do you just wear the mask?  Here is a hint if you have difficulty answering the question:  The one man most of us know as Mahatma was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.  It is said that he protested against the title Mahatma that was conferred on him by others.   This simple-living man seemingly cared nothing for the transient trappings that are coveted by others.   He was wise, selfless and high-minded.  Mahatma?  And because of his wisdom, selflessness and high-mindedness, he was revered.  Reverend?


Even while we have high regard for the wise, selfless, high-minded folks of this world, there is but One, Who is indeed Reverend.   And He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  And at His name, every knee shall bow and every tongue acknowledge and confess that He is Lord.  Jesus, the Christ.   Reverend.



  To Tell the Truth (V. Michael McKay)