If Christ were on earth today, surrounded by those who bear the title of “Reverend” or “Right Reverend,” would He not repeat His saying, “Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ?” Matthew 23:10. The Scripture declares of God, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. To what human being is such a title befitting?—The Desire of Ages, 613 (1898). (Ev 133.1) MC VC

No Right to the Title “Reverend”—There must be no lowering of the standard as to what constitutes true education. It must be raised far above where it now stands. It is not men whom we are to exalt and worship; it is God, the only true and living God, to whom our worship and reverence are due. (Ev 133.2) MC VC

According to the teaching of the Scriptures, it dishonors God to address ministers as “Reverend.” No mortal has any right to attach this to his own name or to the name of any other human being. It belongs only to God, to distinguish Him from every other being. Those who lay claim to this title take to themselves God’s holy honor. They have no right to the stolen word, whatever their position may be. “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. We dishonor God when we use this word where it does not belong.—The Youth’s Instructor, July 7, 1898. (Ev 133.3) MC VC

Little Men Handling Great Subjects—The ministers of the gospel are to present truth in its simplicity, through the blessing of God making the Scriptures profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. “Rightly dividing the word of truth”(2 Timothy 2:15)—this is the word that should be spoken of all our ministers. (Ev 133.4) MC VC

But far, far from this, many of the ministers have departed from Christ’s plans. The praise of men is coveted, and they strain every faculty in an effort to hunt out and present wonderful things. The Lord bids me counsel them to walk humbly and prayerfully with Him.... Be willing to be little men handling great subjects.—Manuscript 62, 1905. (Ev 134.1) MC VC

None Remarkable Men—We have no great men among us, and none need try to make themselves what they are not, remarkable men. It is not wisdom for a single individual to strike out as though he had some great talent, as though he were a Moody or a Sankey.—The Review and Herald, December 8, 1885. (Ev 134.2) MC VC

The Message, Not the Man—The minister who has learned of Christ will ever be conscious that he is a messenger of God, commissioned by Him to do a work both for time and eternity. It should not be any part of his object to call attention to himself, his learning, or his ability. But his whole aim should be to bring sinners to repentance, pointing them, both by precept and example, to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. Self should be hidden in Jesus. Such men will speak as those conscious of possessing power and authority from God, being a mouthpiece for Him. Their discourses will have an earnestness and fervor of persuasion that will lead sinners to see their lost condition, and take refuge in Christ.—The Review and Herald, August 8, 1878. (Ev 134.3) MC VC

John Only a Voice—Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice, “a cry in the wilderness.”(John 1:23)—Gospel Workers, 56 (1915). (Ev 134.4) MC VC