When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" …. "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. (ACTS 14:8-18 NIV)
We can easily distinguish how WoF (Word of Faith) followers and seeker-sensitive participants idolize their pastors. It is so plain to see that they put leaders on a pedestal; almost worshipping the ground they walk on. I remember reading about a man they call Sweet Daddy Grace. He claimed to intercede as savior for his people; and many still believe he is even though the man is dead. A whole religion headed to hell because of the idolatry of a man. Idolizing men is dangerous; truly truly dangerous.
The problem is we may sometimes formulate in our minds that idolatry happens with only false teachers/preachers and their followers. Truth is, it can happen amonst a good group of teachers as well. I have done this with guys that are sound in their teaching and living; and I would ignore that it is the Lord Jesus Christ working within him. Many times through my flattery and nice compliments, I was executing my form of idolatry to them. What do we do so we don’t idolize anyone? Quickly, I answer with Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:5; love God 1st. Listen to this:
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21)
It doesn’t state anything about false teachers, only it states only ‘keep yourself from idols’. This is an admonishment to Christians. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must not place anything above the God they worship (John 4:23-24). A good pastor is not to be exalted; idolize him not. We must obey the LORD JESUS of the Scriptures. No matter how great a preacher sounds, they are not greater than the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
Scripture help: Exodus 20:2-5, Deuteronomy 30:16-18, Isaiah 44:16-18, Ezekiel 14:3-4, Matthew 4:9-10, 1 Corinthians 10:14, Colossians 2:18, Revelation 22:8-9
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