No Autographs, Please

When I heard and saw [these things], I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I’m a servant just like you and your siblings… Worship God!” – Revelation 22:8b-9 (CEB)

I’ve been known to idolize and fanboy over some preachers and teachers who drip with wisdom, hanging on their every word. Total prophetic rockstars. They could recite the dictionary, and I’d be moved.

It’s a silly level of admiration. But that’s on me and not them.

These folks don’t seek out that type of celebrity. They’ll sign their book, but they’re not signing autographs. They do not point to themselves but to God. When someone falls at their feet, they are quick to say, “Don’t do that!”—followed by a reminder that you, too, are as much a vessel for God as they are.

Maybe there’s not really anything wrong with admiring some of these rockstar celebrity pastors. But that all changes when we cross the line from worshiping God to worshiping the person preaching and teaching about God. Someone who is worthy of such admiration will recognize and remind us of that, and point us back to God.

Prayer
Keep my admiration from becoming idolatry, Holy One, and point me back to you. Amen.

About the Author
Chris Mereschuk (he/him) is an Unsettled Pastor and the Founder of RevCJM, LLC, specializing in church vitality and Legacy consulting and coaching.