The Difference Between Admiration and Idolatry in the Church

Have you ever walked into a church where the pastor is treated like a king?

The admiration is loud. The loyalty is fierce. People hang on to every word spoken from the pulpit sometimes without ever opening their own Bible.

Let me be clear: honoring spiritual leadership is biblical. Scripture tells us to respect those who labor in teaching and shepherding God’s people (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). But there is a fine, dangerous line between respect and reverence between admiration and idolatry.

And the question we must ask ourselves is this: when does honor cross into idolizing?

When Admiration Replaces Accountability

Pastors, leaders, and ministers are human just like you and me. Full of grace, yes, but also full of flaws. We often see them once or twice a week, beautifully presented, anointed behind a microphone. But we don’t see how they live their everyday lives. We don’t know whether what they preach on Sunday is what they practice on Monday.

The Bible warns us clearly about idolatry. One of the most striking examples is the golden calf (Exodus 32). The people wanted something visible, something tangible to worship something they could associate with God rather than trusting God Himself. That same human tendency still exists today.

When we elevate people to a place only God should occupy when we follow every move, defend every action, and refuse to question anything we place them on a pedestal that was never meant for flesh and blood.

“You shall have no other gods before me.” — Exodus 20:3

When Leaders Fall and Faith Is Shaken

Every time a scandal surfaces behind the pulpit, many people get angry at God. Others blame “religion” altogether. And while church hurt is real and deeply painful, we must remember what Scripture already told us:

“Many are called, but few are chosen.” — Matthew 22:14

Not everyone who can preach has a shepherd’s heart. Not everyone who can quote Scripture lives surrendered to it. Not everyone who can pray, speak in tongues, or move a crowd is walking in humility and obedience.

Sometimes ego disguises itself as anointing.

Sometimes narcissism hides behind charisma.

Sometimes influence replaces integrity.

And when humanity eventually shows as it always does, we feel betrayed.

I’ve seen it more than once. I’ve been hurt by church too. But because my faith was rooted in God, not people, I was able to heal and move forward.

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh.” — Jeremiah 17:5

Faith Anchored in God Alone

Watching pastors and their families fall from grace is heartbreaking. It reminds us that the times we are living in require us to be intentional and vigilant. Salvation claims, spiritual gifts, and biblical knowledge do not automatically equal Christlike character.

We are called to discern not judge, but discern.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” — 1 John 4:1

Jesus Himself warned us that we would encounter wolves in sheep’s clothing. That doesn’t mean we live suspiciously but wisely.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

The more we know His voice, the less likely we are to confuse it with someone else’s.

A Call Back to Balance

We are in this world, but not of it (John 17:16). Our loyalty belongs to Christ alone. Leaders are guides not gods. Vessels not the source. When we admire them, it should always point us back to Jesus, not replace Him.

May we be a people who love deeply, honor wisely, and follow faithfully without ever surrendering our discernment.

Prayer

Father God,

We come before You with humble hearts. Forgive us for the times we have placed people on pedestals meant only for You. Teach us to honor leadership without idolizing it, to love Your servants without losing sight of the Servant King Jesus.

Give us discernment in this season. Help us recognize Your voice above all others. Heal those wounded by church hurt, and restore faith that has been shaken by human failure. Anchor our trust in You alone, the One who never fails.

Create in us clean hearts, sharpen our spiritual vision, and help us walk in truth, humility, and love.

We choose You above all else.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen