Rank & Grade - Romans 12:16 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 12:16 (NIV)

“Rank & Grade”

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

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On just about every military/government form there is a block called “Rank/Grade”.  “Rank” is the title that is associated with what you have accomplished and “grade” is associated with your entitlements (same across all military/government agencies).  For example, an O-6 (grade) in the Army is called Colonel (rank) and an O-6 (grade) in the Navy is called Captain (rank).  Different titles, but same grade and entitlements.  In many cases if an Army person sees a Navy Captain . . . they may address that rank as Colonel!  It is not done to disrespect the O-6, nor does it reduces the entitlements, but that is the rank they can identify with. 

In many of our churches there are titles, positions etc.  Sometimes it is hard to keep up with all of them (at least for me).  But the one thing that helps me associate all of GOD’s people with the same grade . . . regardless of their title is “Salvation”  Which gives all of us the title of “Brother & Sister”  We can have accomplished-titles like Dr, deacon, minister, pastor, etc . . . but as Christians . . . we should be easily identified as “Brother & Sister”.  It is by this kind of association that we can live in harmony with one another!

If someone walks up to us on Sunday and says, “Good morning brother/sister!”  We should not pull out all of our accomplishments to correct them on our title . . . simply reply back with, “Good morning to you my brother/sister”.  This is not to say the title, positions, etc. in the church, or anywhere else should not be respected, but as Christians we should be able to associate each other as a Brother or Sister in CHRIST!  Besides . . . we are all soldiers in the Army of the LORD!  Through salvation we are all called a brother or sister of CHRIST!  Trust me . . . I don’t think JESUS is going to address any of us by our titles . . . HE is on first name basis!

I wonder if any of the Pharisees corrected JESUS when HE addressed them as “brood of vipers” (Matthew 12:34)

Disclaimer:  This is not directed at any particular church or individual!  It is directed to all my brothers and sisters in CHRIST!  As it has always been said, “If the shoe doesn’t fit . . . it’s not for you!”  or something like that! 

Rejoice in HIS Blessing My Brothers & Sisters in CHRIST!