Thank you, my dear friend, for this very interesting question. Certainly, we should respect our earthly fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4), so it is quite appropriate to use such terms as “father” or “dad”, or “papa”, in speaking of or to our earthly fathers so long as we do so in proper respect for their God-given roles in our lives. So then, what are we being told by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 23? I think we must remember the context of the Lord’s discourse here. In Matthew 23:2-3 (NKJV) we read: “…The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.”

The scribes and the Pharisees were teachers of the law, and the law was given to be observed. However, many of the ones teaching were prideful of their lofty positions in Israel as teachers and leaders of the people, and for many, they loved the recognition they received for their rank among the people more than they loved acting themselves in accordance with the Scriptures as we see in verses 4-7. We are not to be seeking the recognition of men, and we are not to follow such a poor example. We are to humbly seek to follow God’s will in our lives, and not to magnify ourselves. Thus, in verses 8-12 we read: “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

In summary, I believe that our Lord Jesus is telling us not to be prideful of position, name or rank, but humbly seek to do the will of God and to follow His Word. Personal pride is inappropriate and even destructive for true believers on the Lord Jesus Christ. (You might read James 1 and several other NT Scriptures dealing with personal pride and lust). In James 4:10 we read: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  (SF)  (701.2)