He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. - Psalm 111:9

    There is only ONE who should ever be called reverend, and that is the ONE who inhabits eternity.  His name is Jesus and holy and reverend is his name.  And so I don't understand why men and women today allow themselves to be referenced with this title, let alone encourage their followers to do so.  Have they not read the scriptures?  Do they not realize they are putting themselves on the same level as God by using this title?  I can't answer that question with certainty.  But I can tell you that within the minds of many people, the title of reverend elevates a minister above other christians.  There is a church and laity distinction that is prevelant today which should not be so.

    The truth of the matter is all of God's people are in the same boat.  They are all sinners.  And they've all been saved in Christ's earthly work of redemption.  They are all justified and seen as righteous by the Lord.  There isn't a single one of them that is any better than the others.  In fact, they are all ministers of the truth and should be all working to edify one another in Christ.  God has dispensed His gifts to all of His people, and while these gifts may be varied amongst the people, they still need to be seen as gifts and not entitlements.

    So when it comes to titles, nobody should be elevated one above another.  And when it comes to the title of reverend, God is the only one who should be honored with that title.  

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. - Mat 23:8-11

    The new testament is clear, no man is to be called "master" or "teacher."  Christ Himself commands us to serve one another and warns us that we shouldn't take titles upon ourselves or set ourselves up in positions to Lord over one another.  We should be serving one another as brethren, and living, working, and worshipping together in humility before the Lord.

    Those of us who believe, we've been given the righteousness of Christ.  And we are not holy in and of ourselves.  Holy and reverend is HIS name.  All of the Lord's people will worship and reverence HIM.  And we are taught that man striving to be his very best is nothing but vanity on display.  We who believe, let us not desire any preeminence amongst men.  Let us not steal the reverence that our Lord is owed.  But instead, let us serve the Lord in humility, thanking Him for caring for us and not leading us astray, but keeping us on the straight and narrow.  Instead of honoring one another with flesh pleasing titles, let us instead reverence our great Shepherd!