I am often amused at the alphabet soup people place behind their names. Most folks will visit a MD, CPA, CFP, and perhaps even an Esq. with a JD. Clergy are not immune from the soup spilling on them. Does your pastor have a MACE, M.Div., Th.M., D.Min. or Ph.D.?
Alphabet soup seems to be everywhere. It touches every profession and career. The growing level of certifications, licenses, and degrees seem to have no limit. It has gotten to the point that I cannot recognize what all the abbreviations stand for.
The Army has several different levels of its own alphabet soup: rank, military occupational specialty codes or MOS, and additional skill identifiers or ASI.
I believe that two factors are influencing the trend; greater levels of specialization and human pride.
People like the notoriety and uniqueness that the alphabet soup provides. It makes you stand out. It shows your determination and hard work. It makes you different from everyone else. Consider the pride folks have in hearing people shout, “doctor” or “pastor” before your name.
Jesus addressed this issue in Matthew 23:1-11.
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.
8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Jesus encouraged his followers to live differently. Don’t do what they do. Don’t act like you are high and mighty. Don’t make a scene. Don’t draw attention merely for the glory of self. The disciples were even told to avoid the title of rabbi or teacher in their fellowship. They were to consider each other as brothers.
Jesus wants us to live and act in a humble manner. Don’t get caught up in the game of alphabet soup. While certain professions will require designations behind your name, be sure to honor God with a servant’s heart. The praise of man is cheap and fleeting. Instead, seek to be exalted by our Heavenly Father.
God Squad 