7 DANGERS OF IDOLISING PREACHERS (A word of caution to Christians)

Intro:
In the contemporary church, God has heavily anointed some of His servants to take the gospel far and wide, to bring healing and deliverance to many. Unbelievable testimonies of the move of God’s Spirit in the ministries of such servants of God sometimes elicit the wrong reaction from believers. This outpouring of power and the oft-repeated charge, “Touch not my anointed”, have combined to produce an elevation of some of today’s preachers that borders on fanaticism and deification. This post, by God’s grace, discusses seven dangers of such exaltation.

I realise that seeing this title, many will argue they are not idolising their ministers, but as we examine these dangers, each of us will see if the problem is creeping in or it has overtaken us.

Seven Dangers of Idolising Preachers

1. You could make them conceited or answerable to God for stealing His glory:
No matter what God has used anyone to do in your life, be careful to thank them but give the glory to God. Don’t tell them that you would have been finished without them, your life is in their hands, stuff like that. The human mind is a malleable thing. Someone hears that long enough, they may start to believe it.

Besides, it’s a burden to them to constantly redirect you to return all the glory to God. Sometimes, they may be weary after ministering and cannot do this. If you truly love this person, protect him or her by saying things like: “I thank God for your life”, “God has really used you to bless me”. Always, we must acknowledge that it is God working through His servants.

[bctt tweet=”The people who arrogate God’s glory to themselves usually end up badly.” username=”edithsmusings”]

That was the case with King Herod in the Bible:

“20. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. 21. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.” – Acts 12:20-23

Notice in the passage above, Herod wasn’t shouting that he was a god but those who felt dependent on him were, and the hammer fell on him, obviously for not correcting them.

Also, show the preachers you know they are human like others by asking after their health and welfare. Find out how you can pray for them or spiritually uphold their ministries, families, etc. That way, you reinforce in them the understanding that they are not God and that at the end of the day, we all need each other. If you put them in a position where they minister to you without any form of reciprocation, you are fostering arrogance and a false sense of self sufficiency in them.

2. You could lose your critical ability:
People have been known to give up rational thought and independent thinking because they are following certain preachers, swallowing what they say without reflection or verifying through prayer. This is very dangerous. That someone gave you a prophecy that came true one day doesn’t mean that every word he or she says is right. In Matthew 16:13-22, Peter declared that Jesus was the Son of the Living God, a true revelation from God. But shortly after, he tried to discourage Jesus from dying on the cross to which the Lord replied, “Satan, get thee behind me.” Be a Berean Christian (Acts 17:10-11).

[bctt tweet=”Don’t chuck your mind in the bin. God gave it to you for a purpose.” username=”edithsmusings”]

While we should learn to exercise faith, we should not feel that living a life of faith is antithetical to thinking and weighing situations with the intelligence that God has given us. God does not always ask us to break natural laws except when He wants to accomplish something special.

There is a spiritual condition called hyper-spirituality – disconnection from reality due to excessive dependence on metaphysical, rather than natural means of perception. A hyper-spiritual person is constantly receiving and depending on revelations (visions, direct words “from God”, in this case to self and the preacher they adore). The problem is that often these revelations don’t come to pass (they may give a flimsy excuse for that or ignore the fact altogether) and the person’s life increasingly shows signs of confusion and a falling short of godly standards in speech and conduct.

A hyper-spiritual person, for example, will sow his salary as seed because his preacher said so or “God said” to and then go around begging and harassing people for monetary assistance. Obviously, the expected return from the seed didn’t come, which makes one wonder if the directive was from God in the first place.

3. You could lose your freedom:
You will be unable to take decisions for yourself. You joined a church willingly but you are afraid to leave because you are directly threatened by the one you idolise or you feel you will not be safe anymore without them. Your time, money and other resources could be commandeered by this person, no longer to be used for your benefit and that of your family. You feel threatened with one curse or the other unless you do exactly as they say. These are real possibilities you could be faced with in these abnormal relationships.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1

[bctt tweet=”Man does not make a good master. He is prone to abuse the position.” username=”edithsmusings”]

That is why God told Samuel the prophet in 1 Samuel 8:9-18 to warn the Israelites of how they will be subsequently treated when they were clamouring for a king. Below are some verses from that passage.

“9. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. 11. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: 14. … he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 17. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.18. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”

And when King Rehoboam and Judah sinned against God and King Shishak of Egypt conquered their kingdom, this was the Lord’s reply when they prayed and he heard them:

“But they will become his subjects, so they will know the difference between serving me and serving earthly rulers.” – 2 Chronicles 12:8 (NLT)

[bctt tweet=”Christ has set you free. Don’t make yourself a slave to anyone.” username=”edithsmusings”]

Specify your relationship with people. A lot is often taken for granted and it soon metamorphoses into the elephant in the room. You cannot speak freely, lest it be seen as insubordination and you can’t move away when you’re uncomfortable with what’s happening or it will be termed rebellion. We are freer and more assertive with the Almighty God than with a fellow human being! That is not the heritage we have in God:

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15

4. You could be derailed, lose focus – preaching and fighting for the preachers instead of for the truth:
Today, we see disunity in the body of Christ, breakup of churches, etc. Some of these arise because people are fiercely protecting the interests of different preachers whom they cherish. Sometimes, the content of Christian pages online read like political propaganda during electioneering campaigns where parties are castigating their opponents.

Our focus should be the truth as seen in the word of God, preaching the gospel and ministering to people, not defending our favoured preacher’s interpretation of the gospel or lifestyle. Even our churches don’t amount to the Church (the Body of Christ), so we should not be dismissive of those who are outside the umbrella of our church and GO (General Overseer), presiding pastor, etc.

Jesus prayed that his followers be one.

“20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” – John 17:20-23

What the Lord prayed for should be our concern. We should not work against it by making idols of His servants and trying to win proselytes to their brand of the gospel.

[bctt tweet=”Exclusive and fanatical followership of ministers inhibits unity in the Body of Christ.” username=”edithsmusings”]

5. You could mislead other people to worship them, especially the young and others who look up to you:
Many people learn from example. If they love someone or they are subordinate to that person, they begin to pick words, attitudes and behaviour from that person. Let no one learn slavish adoration of ministers from you.

“… be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

In one church service, the lady preaching said that if the senior pastor told her to climb up and hold on to the revolving fan, she would do it with no questions asked. This was supposed to show how much she believed in the man of God. And listening were young people and uneducated old folks who would probably learn from that sermon that the senior pastor is always right and you should retire your mind when dealing with him. That is a terrible lesson to impart to anyone.

When we renew our minds with the word of God, we will be able to distinguish between faith and foolishness and not feel compelled to do whatever anyone says in the name of faith.

6. If you idolise preachers, your faith could be destroyed when they fall:
Jesus is the only perfect example we have. If you worship a man and base your faith on his words and actions, you could be disappointed and betrayed if he goes astray. That is why Paul admonished us thus in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV): “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Newer translations use the word “imitators” in place of “followers”.

I thank God for the ministers of the gospel in the world today and for the grace of God upon their lives. But they are servants like the rest of Christ’s flock. The best way to see them is the way Paul, the apostle, one of the greatest preachers to have ever lived, described himself.

“12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12-14

The Amplified Bible brings out what Paul is saying in this passage in clearer terms:

“12. Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which
Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. 13. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14. I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12-14 (AMP)

We are all moving towards perfection. Don’t deify anyone no matter the wonders you have seen God use him or her to do. Don’t leave God no matter what anyone does or is said to do.

Always remember that preachers too are projects in God’s hands like everyone else and encourage them accordingly. Someone may have anointing but lack maturity or deep knowledge of the word of God. If you are close to them, you can assist with godly counsel and interpretation showing them from the Scriptures how to react to certain issues or where they are missing it when the need arises.

7. You could incur the wrath of God against yourself and your family:
Or rather you will if you carry this on long enough. God does not joke with His glory. Idolatry is sin and God has hard words against it.

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” – Exodus 34:14

“7. Thou shalt have none other gods before me. 8. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: 9. Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me” – Deuteronomy 5:7-9

[bctt tweet=”Anyone that takes the place of God in your life has become a graven image to you.” username=”edithsmusings”]

Honour God’s servants but reserve glory and worship for God alone. Pray for the ministers of the gospel and support them as God has blessed you and as He leads you, not out of fear or compulsion.

PRAYER:
God, help me to have a healthy relationship with your servants that I’m privileged to know, and since we all your children are your servants one way or another, help me to be a good example to others and return all the glory to you for all you ever do in and through me in Jesus’ name.

+++++++
The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.
+++++++

ABOUT ME AND THE BLOG

Subscribe to edithohaja.com to receive updates of new posts (inspirational, educational and entertaining articles, poems, quotes and graphics) in your mail. Subscription is free.

If you ever feel down or burdened, I’d like you to vist my second blog, Aunty Edith’s Blog (An Encouragement Café). Come, eat and drink from the word of God for free. The posts are crisp, refreshing and uplifting and I believe God will restore hope and joy to you through them.

You can also like my Facebook page, Aunty Edith, follow me on Instagram, GooglePlus (1), GooglePlus (2), Twitter (1), Twitter (2), Pinterest and StumbleUpon. Plus, you can connect with me on LinkedIn. Jesus is Lord!</strong

157 comments

  • Precious Caius

    This is Amazing. Reading through, I found out that I sometimes act like the woman used as an example. I value my pastor a lot and sometimes I lose critical thinking and believe everything he says without verifying from God or sometimes I say that whatever he asks me to do, I would do it, after all it’s God speaking or God’s servant speaking. Sometimes because of how God uses them to bless people, we tend to forget that it’s God working and not the human being involved. I pray God opens our eyes to this reality. Amen.

    • Edith Ohaja

      Glad to hear from you, Precious, and amen to your prayer. God bless you splendidly in Jesus’ name.

  • EDEH CYNTHIA OLUOMACHI

    Thank God for this post… I actually went to one church for visitation and the way they adore their pastor really caught me…one of the members came to testify and he told the church to stand up and thank d pastor for the care he has shown him so far…am actually fine with that,but d one that amazed me was that after his testimony,he said that all glory and honor should be to the pastor,and when the pastor came to preach he didnt correct that statement. . Which actually means that he is in support of that,and this is not right,most churches worship their pastors more than God,am not saying one should not submit to authority,or respect ur pastors, but what am saying is that Gods glory should never be shared with any man.. They are just servants of God. …thank u ma for this piece. i really enjoyed it. ..happy easter.

  • Somto irene

    Beautiful post,people think pastors or preachers give them life or hope to continue living but that’s a very big lie,we should learn to understand that the Lord uses people to bless people. Thank you ma for this piece.

  • Adonu Ifeanyichukwu B

    This is a beautiful write up. Most Christians prefer to sing the praises of their pastors than of God who is the giver of such powers. Thanks for calling us back to order.

  • Gideon kosiso

    My family members must read this because this issue of idolizing preachers has eaten deep into them. They forget the miracle worker and appreciate the vessel. Nice one, ma. Ignorance is obviously a barrier to some things. May God help us as we do the right thing. Bless you, mother.

  • Edith, this was soooo good! What an important topic! I find myself gently correcting people over Joel Osteen’s sermons because they have chosen him as the expert on Christianity, when in fact he is a false prophet! How dangerous! I have also been a member of three churches where a pastor fell from grace into sin. One even spoke inappropriately to women in the church, including me. These men had to step down from the church. If I had not had a firm foundation in the scriptures, that could have caused me to turn away from church entirely. Thankfully, I knew I could rely on God instead of them! I find your post so timely because only yesterday my young adult sons and so were discussing the importance of good teachers and pastors, yet we must make sure what they are teaching and preaching lines up with scripture. This was going to be one of my blog topics, and it shows me that God is speaking truth today to both you and me, not because we agree; but because it lines up with scripture! The bible tells us to question everything and search the scriptures. I love my current pastor of the last fifteen years. He showed me how to rely on Jesus, and has always given God the glory and shown us to do the same. Even now in thanking him for his help, he says, “Thank Jesus! He is the one doing the work! I’m just an instrument.” This has truly changed my heart to be humble, knowing that I accomplish nothing good without God, and I wouldn’t want to! I’ll be sharing this at The Silver Lining Facebook ministry page this week, Edith. Our topic this month is “value and worth in Christ.” This fits perfectly! If anyone wants to join us at http://www.facebook.com/angelaslittleattic, we will also be discussing narcissism in more depth which could help innocent Christians filter out false prophets looking for their own glory, from true Christian teachers, as your post says, only interested in giving God the glory! Thank you for another great, wise, read! I really enjoyed it, and it needs to be read by many. Love and blessings to your family in Jesus’ name! ?✝️??

    • Edith Ohaja

      Delighted as always to hear from you, Angela! I pray overflowing blessings upon you, your lovely family and your ministry in Jesus’ name.

  • Ifebunandu Angela Chimerie

    God bless you MA For this post
    Really this problem of idolizing preachers has become alarming. In many families, peace no longer reigns because they believe whatever their religious leaders tell them even when it’s clear that it is not true.
    Honestly, I appreciate this post.
    Thank you very much, ma!

  • Nwokolo Chidera

    Amen.
    So many people are ignorant of religion, they care not to read their bible but listen to preachers and live solely on what has been said forgetting that ‘the way of God is no where close to the way of man’. It was through this post that I finally understood the saying “The Foolishness of God is Greater then Wisdom of Man’. People truly lack understanding of the word of God, myself included. Thank you, ma, for this beautiful post.

    • Edith Ohaja

      This is why we should habitually read the word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit. He is meant to be our Teacher and our Guide. Receive favour for the months ahead, mydear, in Jesus’ name.

  • Okemiri Ifunanya Diana

    Wow, this is wonderful! It’s very true some of the servants of God (am sorry to let it out) sometimes behave as if they are God, and this brings about love of material things because they will start demanding for extra tax which is not meant to be. Even now, one can only count a number of good pastors because they promote themselves and leave the work of God which God called them for. When that starts, the followers will start worshipping the pastor because every aim now is going to be how to please him or (Daddy) as a friend of mine calls her pastor. Am not judging anyone but we should do the right thing. Thank you, ma.

  • victor chukwudi udeh

    mum thanks for this piece, i wish all Christian community will go through this post. Hyper-spirituality is major problem among the Christians. Because Christianity has divided along Churches, some times one wonders is not the same Christ we do worship together.
    We so much attached to metaphysical realms,we hardly differentiate when our Heads of church is making mere opinion and his prophetic declaration. l have where people are fighting just because of what the pastor or their priest said.

  • EKWUEME VICTOR OBIORA

    We shall know the truth and only the truth shall set us free. what we are task to preach is only the truth, whenever you contradict this dangers awaits you. Majority of us have claimed to be preachers regardless of our source of power or what we preach about but mind you as our mother, Edith Ohaja, has explained, this has consequences. idol preacher, be warned and learn from this post. Don’t preach for money for pastoring is not a business but a calling. the reward is from God.

  • ifebunandu Angela chiemerie

    These days many Christians no longer go to church to hear the word of God but the words of their religious leaders. Many no longer have a mind of their own but that of their religious leaders. They believe everything without even thinking twice about it.Some only attend certain church programs just because a Particular Man of God is coming to preach, while forgetting that the pastor is only doing the work sent to him by God.
    Thank you ma for this eye opener
    God bless you

  • Exactly! People can be funny, they don’t understand the meaning of God using his prophet to perform certain miracles for them. Obviously, God can’t come down nd do those things u want, we should try not to confuse ourslvs by giving men glory that’s meant for God. Nd to those offering their entire salary knowing the knd of responsibility that awaits them, OYO is ur case ooo. Not that u can’t sow a seed of faith but we should be mindful, not to turn into nuisance after that. Every point is not to be neglected! Soo happy i read this post. #enlightening# ????

  • Blessing obidudu

    Wow!! This is very true.

  • Edith Ohaja

    God bless you abundantly too, Chiemerie!

  • This is just sooo on point! Every bit!

  • okereke chukwuemeka Matthew

    People I believe need to know this truth. People no longer worship and thank God for what he has done in their lives but rather worship and thank the person he used in making his word come true, forgetting that such persons are mere instruments used by God. The thing is that most people don’t know when they get it wrong thereby repeating this everytime. Thank you, ma, for such an eye-opener.. God bless you.

    • Edith Ohaja

      The word of God is full of warnings against this. If we hide that word in our hearts, it will remind us to not sin in this regard. Hope you enjoyed your hols. Journey mercies and favour when you travel in Jesus’ name.

  • Alexis Okoye

    Trust in God, believe in yourself and obey the commandments of God.
    Thank you, for that wonderful piece of message.

  • Onyeze precious chijindu

    This reminds me of the post I read on instablog about a pastor that asked an elderly woman old enough to be his mother to kneel and postrate for him… I believe it is all what idolising brought forth, we unconsciously aid pastors in feeling invincible. Thank you Ma for pointing out things we do wrong. Happy Easter!

  • Many times, I engage in conversations about pastors and their perspectives of how a Christian life should be lived. However, I withdraw from such once it leads to shouting and use of coarse words because many have lost their sense of reasoning to make these preachers their God. Most people have allowed the preachers to be their personal and spiritual leaders. I agree with you that they do this as a mark of submission or fear of being called a rebel. Now I know it is wrong. To think about what we do rationally always yields great results. About the example of the man who sowed his salary as seed, it reminded me of one time I went for a Thanksgiving service and the preacher was actually encouraging the congregation to empty their pockets before the Lord and be blessed. I guess I will not blame the man for such actions, though quite irrational. God bless you abundantly for the prayer point at the end of the post. I found it very helpful. Happy Holidays!

  • Joy Chukwuma

    God bless you, ma. You have strengthened my resolve to keep God Almighty as the God over my life.

  • mordi ifeoma

    God bless you ma for this wonderful piece….. It’s of great importance as unfortunately this has become the order of the day in most churches today, where you begin to wonder if it is men of God or God himself we worship. I pray God leads us and gives us the grace to do his will at all times.

  • Not only did you address an imp0rtant topic, but you did it thoroughly and with well supporting details. Thank you so much sister!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Glory to God and thanks a lot, my dear Tammy! A bouquet of blessings to you and your family in Jesus’ name.

  • Ohakwe Oluchi Judith

    Thanks, ma’am, for this message. Oftentimes, you can’t help but marvel at the way most Christians worship and adore their man of God, they even find it comfortable displeasing themselves and pleasing him, some even go as far as slaving for them and when you correct them, they will see you as an enemy… I once had a roommate who is a victim of this. She can comfortably miss lectures to go and cook for her pastor, she cannot do things on her own oo, the guy dictates what she does and where she goes. She practically turned herself to a slave for the guy. What pained me most was that the guy was even a student pastor oo and at the end the so-called pastor graduated and left her behind… This post is a reminder to us, the earlier we understand that pastors and priests are human beings and representatives of Christ and not Christ himself, the better for us. Thanks, ma’am, for the message.

  • Asogwa Emmanuel C

    I think the major cause of this problem is the poor reading of the scriptures. Whether we like it or not, it’s only the scripture that can explain the dogged and radical nature of God. I believe that a solid foundation in the word of God can help a Christian to know who he or she ought to serve and the appropriate way to combine it with the appreciation of priests. This calls our attention that our pastors should be appreciated and not worshiped.
    However preachers and incoming preachers should strive to position Christ in the mind of their members instead of positioning themselves. Silent labouring should be upheld in every pulpit. This is because God has more reward for those who sow silently.

  • Ujevwe Emmanuel

    What an eye opening topic most Christians these days subconsciously idolize Ministers without them knowing it . Most people confuse the difference between a role model and idolizing as Christians we should always make sure God is paramount in our lives

  • Henry

    Learn from not Idolise the pastors. This has or is miscontrued by christians. We should live a christ-like life not a G.O-like life. Idolising pastors is as a result of ignorance and gullible nature of those who don’t study the scriptures. The pastor’s prayer healed you in Jesus name not his effort..Give God the Glory not man. However, celebrate your pastor but not worship him. Thank you.

  • Ndudu John

    This is really educating, an eye opener… We’re sometimes carried away.

  • Kat

    Finally someone realises that serving men of God is not actually serving God. This post is absolutely brilliant, really insightful. I even learnt some dangers i had no idea we could face when we idolize preachers. I think it’s high time people actually started using their brains and stop running to their supposed men of God who only exploit them in the end. For posting a very important issue in the Christian world of today, may the good Lord bless you.

  • ologhofor sampson

    Ma i agree wit u, its very important for us not to make such mistake of thanking someone God has use to bless us rather than thanking God who used the person in the work. Well noted ma,bless u .

  • Ezeorah Cynthia Somtochukwu

    One can’t really blame them because they are actually looking for someone to give ascription to for the signs and wonders they see. Now, the problem is when you try to draw their attention to it, they tend to see you as someone trying to demean their pastors or their faith. They also believe that by making their pastors feel happy, the Lord will be pleased with them. Well, they’re carrying it out the wrong way.

  • Precious Gold

    This is so insightful. Thanks for the post, Ma. It is quite right to believe the man of God that God has placed over you. However, it seems that in while trying to believe our ordained men of God, we overdo it to the point of worshipping them and exalting them over God Himself. Its a dangerous thing to do, but I doubt Africans, especially, are going to ever correct this notion of idolizing preachers.

  • Okafor chiamaka

    God is the ultimate, this is so true and it’s seen in most churches. Sometimes members don’t even realise that they idolise their preachers. All that we are, all that we have is to the Glory of God. He holds the key to our lives. Idolising your minister is so dangerous and should be avoided

  • Omenma Ndidiamaka Patience

    Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm does not mean that we shouldn’t speak up the truth when it involves our preachers. Seeing our preachers as God incures the wrath of God upon us. There is only one true God and all glory goes to him. We should respect our preachers but not worship them.

  • A real eye opener for all Christians. Most times we idolise our pastors or other men of God. We even tend to respect and obey them more than the one who created them. May God help us in our heavenly race.

  • Gerald

    once again, another enriching post you have here, ma. indeed idolatory of anyy sort should be vehemently frowned upon. certain believers tend to unconsciously dedicate their worhsip and entire reverence made for God and God alone to their pastors and priests, forgetting that these individuals are onlyy but instruments of
    the most high

  • Egbo Rita Somtochukwu

    God bless you ma for this wonderful piece….. This is a food for thought to Christians who wonders about to different churches without knowing which pastor is true or not. It also teaches our spiritual leaders, pastors and Fathers to emulate the footsteps of Christ. I pray God leads us and gives us the grace to do his will at all times.

  • Udeobasi Ngozi B.

    This blog is filled with wonderful and life-changing posts, I must confess and i’m very much delighted to be here.
    pastors are only but instruments in the hands of the almighty. People who idolize preachers are just like a visitor or guest who after being served a wonderful meal by the house maid, stands up and gives his vote of thanks to the housemaid who served him the meal and without thanking the owner of the house who instructed the maid to serve him, left the house.
    The housemaid represent the preachers, the owner of the house is God almighty and we the followers are represented by that guest. In a situation like this, the house owner either sacks the housemaid for taking his glory, or he may decide to instruct the maid not to serve you when next you come to let you know that the power is in his hands and not in the hands of the maid.
    Idolizing a pastor can make you fall out of your faith when the pastor makes a mistake. that is why you see people who vowed never to go to church again or never to serve God anymore because a pastor they once adored was caught in a sinful act. also, in a case where a pastor is transfered to another branch that is far away, those who adore that pastore instead of God will stop going to church because the pastor they adore is no longer there or they may decide to relocate just to make sure they attend the same church with him wherever he is.( I wonder what they will do when the pastor dies, Will they also die with the pastor?)

  • Okechukwu Timothy chima
    Yes I believe this to be hundred percent true. That is what is happening in the world today. When people’s problem are solved,they tend to give glory to their preacher instead of God,forgetting he is just a messenger and God is the creator.

  • Agu Ginika Rebecca

    Hmm… The post is really a nice one and an eye opener for some passive and ignorant Christians who follow their religious leaders and consume from them hook, line and sinker without a thought. In accordance with what the post pointed out, God can really speak to someone or attend to him through these men of God, they (men of God) act as intermediaries between God and his people but the way people are going about it is becoming abnormal to the extent that they tend to forget to acknowledge God who has made such things possible for them, rather they attributes such thing to their leaders. Some Christians would know that engaging in some acts is not really ideal but for the fact that their pastor has said it, they would involve in such things in other to please their pastors.
    Some Christians see their men of God as their God and take everything they say even though it would be to their own detriment.
    I just wish much people would go through this post and change their mindset about their ministers of God, though they have to accord them the required respect but still reserve that maximum Glory and Worship for Almighty God… Well done Ma

  • stella

    this post is indeed an eye opener, most chrsitians idolise pastors, unconsciously

  • Sunday Ezekwesiri Daniel

    Idolising of preachers is rampant in the lives of many believers today. The body of Christ which is to protrary love is a platform for the promotion of church politics and propaganda. Christians are more interested in winning souls for the church instead of Christ. Most Christians fear their pastors and place absolute faith in them than God,forgeting that He is the ultimate being and that no man can share His glory. Christians do not search for the word of God, they tend to speak based on the influence of their preachers. I pray that we Christians understand the reason for salvation and that the body of Christ is one. Remain blessed Ma for this wonderful post.

  • Oleighibe Oluebube Tessy

    This post is great and teaches a lot of things.
    Most of us actually do this (idolising our preachers)….
    Some people so much idolised their pastor, so much as when they speak, all one can hear is “my pastor said this, my pastor said that” and when you try to oppose what the pastor said, the person end up getting angry or even fighting you, which is wrong.
    As a believer we ought to read our Bible and give reference to God and not to our preachers.

  • Isaac Nwanneka Oyiridiya

    This is the problem of this 21st century.The put pastors before God.They look up to them instead of God.They no longer think,its just what the man of God says that is true not knowing that there are still fake pastors

  • Nnamani Oluoma Esther

    Preachers are people sent and ordained by God. We should accord them respect but not to the extent of worship. Everything they do was all by God and we as children of God have the same rights they do. We just have to believe in God and have faith.

  • Afiadigwe Nnedinso Rita

    Interesting ma. Human beings don’t make good masters.They tend to abuse the position in the sense that they now make people feel that they are the source of their happiness.It is one of the dangers of Idolising preachers because instead of returning all praises to God will prefer to give themselves the credit.May God help us.

  • Obidigbo Ifunanya Nino

    An interesting post it also teaches and an eye opener to a lot of things not known ma, this post is for all individuals, everyone needs to know the “7 dangers of idolizing preachers” because most of us commit this everyday. we all need to attribute and give all thanks to God, we should respect all ordained Man of God and also be careful not to give thanks to only them, because God is the only supreme being and responsible for all things that happens in our lives. This post is a must read for everyone.

  • Dike Gerald Osinachi

    It is commonplace that many Christians prefer a preacher to another. Some hold a particular preacher in high esteem while doubting others. Apostle Paul advised the early Christians to make no distinction between him and Apollos (another disciple). He did this so as to make them know that whatever he performs, God does them through him. I know it is normal to admire a gifted minister. But it not normal to think he is a better minister than others. We all are equal before God and He gives gifts as he wishes not for our qualifications. A lovely piece.

  • Onwusonye promise

    Some people attend programmes because of a particular minister who would be coming. It is too faithless of those Christians. Ascribing more power to a preacher and less to another is a sign of idolatory. The power they have belongs to God and if it should lead them to pride, God will not like it. I feel for those of them that are hyped. I pray it won’t enter their head. Amen.

  • Ezeh onyekachukwu c

    Miracles that men of God perform are the manifestation of Gods work. We should always first of all give thanks to God rather than raining praises to a mere mortal like us. This is a wonderful write up.

  • Igwe Joshua

    This is a nice piece ma this issue is Paramount in our modern day churches So many times I hear people Mount praises in the name of their pastors forgetting that they are mare vessels of God’s works. They have.made an idol of their pastors and main purpose of their being in church, the funny thing is that some of these preachers are not aware of this act. Christians all over the world should be cautioned on this and let them know that all glory belongs to God Almighty. Am More enlightened ma all thanks to you

  • Edet Elijah

    A popular gospel song says “i’ll never share my glory with any man”. He(God) deserves all the glory in your life not man…. Man just deserves appreciation for being the vessel used not the “glory”.Idolizing your preacher is a great offence in the sight of God because it’s stated in the Bible, “Thou shall not worship any graven image”, idolizing him already makes him an idol. May God give us insight on the right to do.

  • Ugwuaneke Grace U.

    The most important thing for us to do is to know,love and serve God,but most times,we obey what the preachers said instead of God,not like we shouldn’t listen to them because God speaks through them,but the fact remains that they are not perfect and we should use our common sense.bless you ma for discussing about this issue.

  • Otti Augusta Uzoma

    I just pray every person found wanting in this area gets to read this. My pastor said… my pastor said…OMG! Sometimes I wonder if common sense is truly common. Idolatry can be in the mind, yes! we need to respect men of God but not worship them. I sincerely hope this post gets to persons who need it, to redirect their life and faith to Christ.
    Thank you very much Ma for this eye opener. God bless you.

  • Orji Chidubem Blessing

    This is common among Christians, some tend to idolize or shower praises upon their pastor who they might believe that he is actually the one who perform miracles, forgetting that all powers belong to God, forgetting that miracles actually come from God. Only that he uses the pastor as an instrument of work. Therefore, We all should learn how to appreciate God and his works for he is the author and finisher of our faith.

  • Onu Victor Tochukwu

    The danger of such a mindset was relayed to us in Psalm 146:3-4 “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”
    Again, please do not hear me saying that mega churches and their Pastors are wicked. we must not idolize a Pastor regardless of his Charisma, speaking skills, or implied piety. When we put our faith and trust in mere mortal men, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

  • Euniprecious

    This is a beautiful write-up. The way so. E people use to adore, worship and praise ministers of God is quite questionable just because God used him or her to do something for you then you idolize him as your God. The says that my people perish for lack of knowledge and also in the book of psalm 146:3-4 says put not your trust in so of man who are just mortal, in him there is no salvation. Adore God not preachers God only use them to minister to his flocks, if u put ur trust in man you end up in destruction.

  • Ani Fabian

    These issue have really eaten the mindset of many christians.God almighty brought all men from dust to something that they might serve and do his will.But it is appolling that many Christians are blindly committing idolatry by giving praises and glory to their pastors and priests. Forgetting the fact that they are just mere servants and representative of God.Ma this piece is really an interesting and must read for Christians, in order to help correct these stigma in them.

  • Ayigbo Chineme Edna

    Thank you ma for this wonderful post. Truly, nlt only has the habit of idolising preachers creeped into our society but it seems it wants to turn into a norm. But believe me when I say that constantly addressing this issue and letting people see the dangers of idolising preachers like this post has, will go a long way in curbing the high rate of idolising men of God.

  • okoro nneoma anna

    Wow! i really learnt a lot from this piece. We all fall into these traps everyday in the name of seeking righteousness and doing God’s will. this passage is a must read for every christian, the enlightenment is necessary. Ma you are a God sent.

  • UGWUOKE BLESSING NNEDINSO

    Preachers ate servants. Anybody who was called to lead God’s people should humble himself as a servant. Preachers of these days see themselves as God and take glories of God’s miracles. Considering the way their followers idolise, respect and worship them, they tend to misbehave and assume the glory that is due God.

  • Maduabuchi Emmanuel Chidera

    Sometimes members don’t even realise that they idolise their preachers. All that we are, all that we have is to the Glory of God. . Idolising a minister is so dangerous and should be avoided.

  • Ogbonnaya Noble Comfort

    I pray that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened, especially, as regards to losing one’s freedom in the act of clinging so much to his/her preacher

  • Queen

    The way we place our pastors, may have passed the place of Christ. We believe without understanding their words because they are ‘Men of God’. With the dangers you have pointed out, we only would reduce God to nought if our approach doesnt change.

  • Nzeribe Ashley

    This is a controversial issue in our world, we forget to acknowledge our creator after his wonderful works but choose to pay tithe and even wash the feet of a pastor because of mere prophecies.
    This is quite very interested and captivatiing because it enlightens and arouse the readers emotions.
    Heaven help me to
    Run his race.Amen!

  • Akaniru Chioma Theodora

    People no longer worship God, they worship the people in which God through them performs miracles.
    A big thanks to you ma for opening people’s eyes and understanding.

  • Ukamaka Ukaegbu Mirabel

    Idolising of men God is one big mistake that most of us believers make, while at it we virtually loose the sight of God’s plan and follow the dictate of the so called anointed man of God because to them(believers) the man of God is more closer to God than them, whereas they forget for a fact that we are all equal before our father. To crown it all idolising anyone is really cagey.

  • Bessong Faith Ada

    This ia an eye opener, may we never idolize our preachers, let us understand that they arehumans too.

  • Annabelle Orji

    Thanks for the wonderful piece ma, because people who idolize their pastors end up living their lives to please him and stand to gain nothing, because you’ve deviated from the teaching of the word of God and salvation is a residual of the spirit. Therefore on that day, everyone gets to answer for himself.

  • Ugama Gloria nkechinyere

    This write-up is extremely good, it is a correcter, and I believe it will correct so many of its readers. Ma, this is another of your impacting stories!

  • Nwogu Chiamaka

    We should be mindful of these because some member idolised their pastors with knowing they are doing such thing. Pastors are servants of God and will become empty vessels without God, God is only using them and can use you too if only you give him that chance in our life. It’s not wrong to appreciate your pastor but do not go to the extent of worshiping him.

  • ABONYI CHISOM. E.

    All glory and honor belong to God alone. Thank you very much MA for this wonderful post, I pray that people will learn from this to avoid the dangers of idolising preachers.

  • Ezeh Blessing

    Wow! This write up is very wonderful. Christians nowadays are searching for miracles here and there, they don’t longer have faith in God anymore that’s why they praise and glorify their pastors for any breakthrough or miracles in their lives forgetting that all powers belongs to God.

  • Ewurum john

    One annoying fact is that people don’t believe in themselves anymore or listen to anybody unless their pastor convinces them, they see their pastors as gods instead of workers of God, as without God their pastors are nothing.

  • Ezeudu Chioma

    This came at the right time when believers idolize preacher’s and forget that they are just God’s vessel and this leads to comparison on who is the best amongst them.People now see this preacher’s as demi gods, whatever thing they say or preach is final without checking the Bible to know how true it is.

  • Nnorom wisdom

    The truth is that, preachers shouldnt be idolised or worshipped.
    The message they preach should be given the paramount interest.
    But then,we should be able to differentiate between the truth and falsehoods.
    We would know because the truth is clear and is based on the scriptures i.e God’s word

  • Agada chinenyenwa lucy

    Nice one ma,this story tells us to be careful on how we go from one church to another because we don’t know where some preachers got their power from, and even if our prayer has been answered, we should give Glory to God and not the preacher because God only use them to answer your prayers

  • Morgan Joy

    Preachers are servants of God because he uses them to work in our lives therefore, they shouldn’t be given God’s glory. All glory belongs to God and giving man glory could make him lose concentration and bring harm to us…… Good post.

  • Iroegbu Chinatu Amara

    This caught my attention, “be careful to thank them but give the Glory to God. Preachers are God’s vessels on earth therefore they should be respected but the idea of idolising them is way out of league.

  • Agugbua Miriam Chisom

    Wow! This is amazing. It is really true that people adore a preacher a lot and always do what they say. People should learn how to listen to their hearts and not always follow the preachers because most preachers just exploit people for their money and other material things. People should try to read their Bible in order to get closer to God and avoid deception.

  • Sunday Kingsley Odinakachukwu.

    Sometimes i do engage in conversation with pastors and some of my friends concerning these issue,and only to find out that some of these pastors are actually aware that members actually give glory to them instead of God.Christian’s should learn not to idolise their pastors because there are just mere vessels in the hand of God.without God they cant do anything of their own.Seeing them as christ representative on earth wilk definitely change their perception towards these.thank u ma for addressing these issue.

  • Ezugwu Ogochukwu

    This passage is teaching us something. In this 21st century most people worship their pastors as if they are their creator forgetting what God told us in the book of Exodus that we should not worship any other god beside him.

  • Eze Chinyere

    This is soooo true!!! A lot of us make these mistakes you pointed out…without even realizing. We tend to argue in the name of our pastors, argue over their sermons and even claim that our own pastors are the very best. We take everything pastors tell us hook, line and sinker without consulting the word of God to verify what we’ve heard. While doing this, we tend to loose focus on God, by placing sole emphasis on our pastors. It even makes us faithless at times. For instance, in most churches today, we don’t believe we’ll receive instant healing from God if the pastor does not lay hands on us. This is quite unfortunate!! May God help us!

  • Arene Ifeyinwa Ketochukwu

    Idolizing preachers is a very wrong thing to do as children of God. As children of God, we should look unto Jesus as he is the author and finisher of our faith.

  • Levi ifeanyi

    It is true ma, some believer praise and worship their preachers neglecting God that gave them those preachers, thereby violating the first commandment of God”thou shall serve no other God except from me.” It is as a result of such act that some believer avoid the truth because they take their preachers as God.

  • Onah Chiamaka Geraldine

    Nowadays people worship men of God or pastors as they call them instead of God. That’s why they run from one church to another seeking miracles. This post serves as an eye opener to all of us.

  • Amana Sharon Umola

    Ma, thank you for addressing this issue. Nowadays people now attribute God’s glory to his prophets and servants. This has brought serious controversy in the body of Christ today.

  • Ndieze Kelechi

    This does not contradict the place of honoring your pastors; those who labour for you in the place of prayer and the word.Our gaze and focus should be in Christ alone whom we preach and not on our pastors.This wrong perception of honouring your pastors has taken many off their spiritual stand when their pastors make mistakes.One should note that your pastor is a human,can make mistakes,needs prayers and must be honoured as well.

  • Essien Anietie Archibong

    Great post,people believe too much in pastors or preachers,they look up to them for life or hope to continue living but that’s a scam,we should learn to understand that the Lord uses people to bless people. Thank you ma for this piece.

  • One thing people fail to realise is that we’re all human and prone to mistakes, whether a pastor or an ordinary man so no one should be seen as God, who doesn’t make mistakes. Therefore, we should endeavour to always have an open mind and not be susceptible to manipulation because the truth is that some of these preachers do aim to be idolised by their members. May God help us all.

  • Unwana Ekere

    This controversial issue has eaten deep into christendom, preachers and pastors are now worshipped and glorify because they performed miracle which is not even in their power, people forget that God is first and end in everything. They fear their pastor as if he is God, some even say let me not do this thing before my pastor will see me, what sh#t!
    God has seen u already even before ur thought is being initiated.
    I pray many people get to read this post so that this impression will be corrected!
    Welldone ma!

  • Theresa

    A Christian song sings thus”Don’t exalt the Preacher, don’t exalt the pew, lift the saviour up for them to see”, we are to lift up d Saviour and not His servant… Our God is a jealous God and He wld never share His glory with any man… An idol doesn’t have to b a carved image, but anything or anyone we place above God. This post is really an eye opener becos I’ve fallen short I’m some places… Ma, I also loved how you used Bible references to support d write up… Tanx Ma’am for this

  • Kalu Divine Ogechi

    This really served as an eye opener to me, this is what is seen in Christianity now, people idolizing preachers and forgetting that human beings are not perfect, it is only God we should give all the glory because he works through them. remain blessed ma..

  • Ezema Chidiebere Blessing

    Some many people always give the glory of god to ordinary humanbeing, all in the name of miracle, some their main motve of going to churchnis because of miracle, they keep on jumping from pillar to post looking for miracle centre, they sees their pastors as God,my advice to men and women of God is that they should always endavour to say it clearly that they are not the miracle workerbut God. one day the rout of God may choose to come and it will eventually start from the head of the churches ho are assumed are making themselves equal with God.

  • Mbata jemita

    Not judging but, so many preachers now make themselves powerful in church and their members now worship them as God because they had the opportunity to become preachers, giving new laws in church. May God help us.

  • Okorie Flora

    Most people no longer give glory to God but to the preachers. The preachers tell them what they want to hear therefore giving him all the praise. Our God is a jealous God and he will never share is glory with any man. An idol must not necessarily be a craved image,it can also be a human being.

  • Chisomebi Iroezindu

    I completely agree with the 6th one ma. It has played out a lot of times

  • Chineme Evelyn Njoku

    Idolisation is a very common thing especially in this part of the world , Africa. All glory is to be given to God almighty and not to his messenger. We shouldn’t fail to realize that God is the one that empowered him to do all the miracles so all the thanks is to be ascribed to him. I hope we understand this one day. May God help us all!!

  • Chioma Harmony

    A real eye opener. Our preachers are Gods messengers not God himself

  • Dominion

    This is for all Christians!

    • These preachers are not God himself. Not everyone claims to be what they are.. ..We Christians should trust in God and our selves and no one else….. Important lessons that we all should emulate from.

  • Nwankwo gift

    This is so true man has taken Gods glory and given it to men of God forgetting that he who used this men of God to do great things could also take away his spirit and presence and place it on someone else just as he did to Saul,The truth is this the reasons why their are so much clashes in the christaindom today is just simply because each denomination see’s its founder,GO or Priest as superior to every other man sometimes they are being treated as God on earth forgetting that the bible said his spirit strives with no man and that is why so many great men of God have lost their place in the kingdom Cos when they see their followers worshipping them they feel they are God.

  • Thanks ma for this article. Whenever I discuss this with people they tend to curse me and go far as calling more Atheist.
    People must learn to separate Christianity from Church. A true Christian though must learn to respect and honour Gods servant but must never worship them or give Gods glory to them.
    Sadly most preachers now brainwash their members into thinking they are doing the right thing by worshiping them

  • Nwamauzor Victoria Uchechi

    Only God is worthy of our praises and that’s why most people when they realize their churches are going south, they leave

  • Okwor Donald

    Practically what people fail to understand is to give God his own share if not all of the Glory and thanks. We quickly start praising the man who performed the miracle, forgetting the one who made it happen.

  • Ngwoke Peter Chinaza

    Like some people will tell you that the problem we always face now is religion, going to different man of God and when God try to answer our prayers we attribute it to those people whom he might have answered our prayer through maybe their little assistant, we must always put God first before any contingent being because he is the necessary being in whom every other being is relying upon, I can refer to him as the unmoved mover, the life even those you pasters have depends on him because he is the giver of life. We have to acknowledges God first before any other being.

  • Ngwoke Peter Chinaza

    Like some people will tell you that the problem we always face now is religious problems, going to different man of God and when God try to answer our prayers we attributes it to those people whom he might have answered our prayer through maybe their little assistant, we must always put God first before any contingent being because he is the necessary being in whom every other being is relying upon, I can refer to him as the unmoved mover, the life of even those your pastors have depends on him because he is the giver of life. We have to acknowledge God first before any other being.

  • OGBOBI BLESSING OJONOMA

    There are things Christians fail to understand “giving God’s glory to men” God cannot share his glory with any man
    It quite alright to respect men but We should always fear God and not man.
    Do not see man, pastor or any religious clergy above God, to the point of worshiping, reverencing, above God.

  • Ezeh John Onyekachi

    That’s one of the things that provokes God’s anger quickly. lt is a form of idolatry (Exd 20:3&4). We must avoid it.

  • Nnachetam Favour Chinecherem

    Looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith, not on any preacher. That’s why Paul said that we should search the word and know if what we were taught is the truth. The word of God is the Truth and Jesus is the Truth personified.

  • Really learnt from this inspirational post, God is the creator of all, so we should give him all the glory.

  • Eze Chioma

    Wonderful piece! People need to understand that we need to return all the glory to God for answering our prayers as preachers are only the vessels God use to preach his word.

  • Ikechebelu Ginika

    It is true that the anointing you did not respect will not work for you, but that doesn’t mean you should worship the men of God.

  • Ominaki pamela

    We should not idolise our pastors because they are humans like us and God made them too. And we should not forget the first that God does not share his glory with any man, all glory and adoration should be given to God beause all power belongs to him.

  • EZE BETHRAND CHINEMEREM

    This is really an eye opener to everyone, many persons go about castigating and idolising preachers without knowing the implications to their actions but this post has really tried to extensively list the implications to their actions and i hope that everyone would learn from this post.

  • In as much as we should respect our pastors because they are representing God on earth, we shouldn’t go ahead and worship them and make them second god

  • Cynthia Ugwuoke

    Nice post!….its really tragic how most members in churches today worship the preachers instead of who the preachers preaches about!

  • Tiger Freda

    This post has even made me more conscious of how i thank my preacher for his doings.I now know that I should only thank God for the blessings and for the life of the preacher he has used. . Thank you, ma!

  • Abasiofon Nkem

    What a good piece. this piece is necessary for every modern christian. it is in the habit of us to be idoliasing our pastors.some think it is very good, but by reading this post, the dangers are very clear to me. stop following your general oveerseer or church pastor like he is God. let your faith and focus be on God.

  • Happiness Chizy

    God bless you for this piece Ma. .. It becoming irksome how people now reverence pastors and spiritual leaders than they reverence God himself. .Earlier this year I saw a viral video of church members kneeling as their pastor majestically walks into the church premises. Many people run into avoidable problems because people now take instructions from pastors on how to run their home, choose a career etc. In Africa, no Matter what a pastor says or do it is believed to be right. .. It is really saddening

  • Oma

    It baffles be this days the way christains reverence pastors, the annoying part is when young pastors will tell you let’s honour our father and you will be thinking its God we are about to reverence ,only to find out its the G.O of the church .
    Now when some churches honour God they do it with no sense of respect, but when they say honor the G.O it will be remaining for them to pull down the church with their shout.
    And the Christians this day now sololy depend on their pastor for guardans etc there by ignoring the holyspirit.
    Most people even see their pastors words as law.
    God should in his infinit mercy help us because this 21st century church is leading us astray.

  • Uzor victoria

    The greatest danger to the church today is not humanism, paganism, atheism or agnosticism. The greatest danger is not increasing hostility against our faith from the culture. Our greatest danger is apostasy on the inside, arising from false teachers- theological liberals who deny and distort biblical doctrine and lead others down the same path.

  • Chikodi Obu

    A lot to say about this very issue but briefly, we always think we know what we’re doing but it’s awful to realize that you’ve not just been serving the right person. Don’t blame it on the pastor, blame it on your lack of focus. Nowadays we have to be fully aware of our purpose and pray for guidance. May God help us.

  • Akupue chibuike

    Most at times, people don’t remember that they are rational being due to excessive commitment in one belief or the other.for the fact that someone is being used by God doesn’t make him God. I will rather say that they are just being too”hyper-spiritual” like ma just said, by giving them all the glory that belongs to God. God only uses them to make His manifestation in our lives. therefore we should not be misled by stereotypes of certain believers by acknowledging our earthly pastors rather than God Himself.

  • Precious Amara Agu

    Hallelujah! We’ve been set free by Christ. We shouldn’t use our own hands to enslave ourselves in the hands of some dogmatic preachers.

  • Oshana Oyaku Endurance

    God can never share his glory with anybody, so please we should stop sharing God’s glory with pastors, there are just vessels being used by God.

  • Isaac Sopuruchi Peace

    This post is just my best so far. This is just the pure Truth, a lot of people can’t talk without you hearing my papa said or my mama said. They worship their preachers more than the God they went to serve. We should just be careful to avoid incurring God’s wrath on us.

  • Edeh Chinaza Jennifer

    This is a wonderful piece…and I wish that the Christian societies would be opportuned to read this life changing episode

    The Christians today worship position, affluence, and accord accolades to their general overseas instead of God.

    We need revival in the christendom.

  • Awaka vivian

    About idolizing preachers, me personally when I see people calling their pastors daddy, papa or saying things like daddy have spoken, making it look like the things they say are out of their own wisdom are not God’s, it actually keeps me wondering why we do so without knowing we bring God’s wrath upon them.

  • Thomas Rebecca Ina

    Insightful with so many lessons to take home. Idolising Preachers has brought about division in the body of Christ and has caused many to give up their faith because after putting so much believe on a preacher when he succumbs to sin a person would say “if pastor x could have fallen for who am I?” or “If Pastor X can do this, abeg church na scam”
    We should look to Jesus, it is all about Him.

  • Nwosu Victoria

    Idolising preachers, this act is like a cankerworm that has eaten so deeply into the church today. it is no longer about God but about the pastor. some christians do not honor God as much a sthey honor their pastors. some even go as far as mounting large framed pictures of their pastors in their houses or shops which they worship. forgetting that God’s commandment is to not bow down or worship any image. some instead of calling God other beautiful names will prefer to call him the God of their pastors. say the pastor’s name is Ramah, while praying,you will hear things like ‘the God of Ramah,help us’. this is utterly wrong. christians need to be very careful. thank you for this ma.

  • Ibe Arinzechukwu Christian

    Our pastors are just but pencils in the hands of God. Let’s shift our focus to that wonderful and righteous Man right behind the pastor in whom is all our hope and salvation. God bless you ma’am. This is indeed a wake up call.

  • Urama Emmanuel

    This post is great and teaches a lot of things. Most of us actually do this (idolising our preachers)…. Some people so much idolised their pastor, so much as when they speak, all one can hear is “my pastor said this, my pastor said that” and when you try to oppose what the pastor said, the person end up getting angry or even fighting you, which is wrong. As a believer we ought to read our Bible and give reference to God and not to our preachers.

  • Anabude oluchi

    interesting! This is seen every day in the society we find our self in where people worship men and women of God because of some miracle that took place but one thing we should always have at the back of our mind is that these prophets are tools in the hand of God and looking at point seven which is sin God do not take lightly because he is a jealous God but you can still thank God for the life of that person, no circumstance should make us worship a man because without God nothing will get to be.

  • Ebe John Chimuanya

    Idolizing preachers is like putting them in an exalted position which they are not worthy of and could force them to either strive to meet up or keep up or to even see themselves as demigods. This is bad for any Christian. See preachers as instruments and Representatives of God and not as God himself.

  • This is what is popular in most churches today (with no offence)we hear some people giving testimony in church and will say if not for my pastor or for my prophet forgeting that it is the hand work of God through their pastors.some people now worship their pastor like God all these which attract God’s jealousy and anger.

  • Idolizing men of God is an issue that have made rounds in our society. We keep seeing it everyday, people taking thier pastors or men of God as though they are God themselves, which is very wrong. Thank God for this post we now see the dangers of idolizing men of God. Of course they should be appreciated and honoured.

  • Ijeoma Ibegbulam

    I consider it a blessing to have come across your article today. I have been saying the same thing for quite some time now. Sadly, not many people care to listen. People tend to see you as either faithless or a baby Christian when you challenge some assumptions. You are expected to take it all in. Some people have abdicated their divine rights and privileges in Christ Jesus to mere mortals and are surprised when they misstep. I also tell people that the Church is under siege internally and externally, but it is the internal seige that I am more afraid of Just a few days ago I read a “testimony” where a member of a certain Church was acknowledging his apron for saving him from gun shots! How silly; how do we define idolatory, really? If a pastor is not pointing peopleto Jesus Christ and prefers all attention to be on himself, he is a typical case of an idol. We are all liable:those who deceive and those that are deceived because we have chosen to walk away from the ancient pathway. My allegiance is to Jesus Christ. God help us. Remain blessed my sister.

  • Amaugo Stephanie Chidinma

    Thank you so much for this post. It’s wrong to idolise men of God. But it’s very right to honour them and submit to the right spiritual mentors. I pray that believers come into this understanding.

  • Ejiofor Emmanuel

    A lot of people make these mistake. Pastors are just instruments of God and not God. No one should put his faith with any pastor but in God because he is the doer and the pastor, the vessel

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.