While at
work one day, a co-worker used the phone in my department. I overheard him say,
“Yes, Thom Blahblah, Esquire. T-H-O-M, not T-O-M.”
I knew he
wasn’t at attorney or a nobleman of any kind. I asked him about the esquire
part of his name. He said, “I just like the sound of it.” He did get harassed
about being Tom Thumb after that.
A self-given
title seems inconsequential, yet the title Thomas had given himself was
misleading. I have run across many self-proclaimed preachers who feel they are spiritual
experts. They have neither earned a degree nor been ordained. Anybody can put
up a website/blog/online church and post a picture and false credentials and
influence lives.
The point
James is making here is that Christians shouldn’t just enter the ministry for
money or for recognition because the responsibility is greater. The
consequences are greater. Those that lead others astray have a greater condemnation.
The thought
for today: I should be aware that I have a responsibility as a Christian to speak
God’s Word correctly and not with wrong motives.
“My brethren, be not many masters,
knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” James 3:1.
© copyright
2016 Kevin T Boekhoff
https://tugsandnudges.wordpress.com/2016/02/17/esquire-thom/
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