Hero Worship vs Sincere Admiration

Too often, people fall into “hero worship” and that is dangerous for both the worshiper and the hero.

One thing that I have remained true to my entire life is not being impressed simply by someone’s title, riches, or job without actually knowing them personally (not just meeting them). The one time I wavered a little was with Elvis LOL. Now, don’t get me wrong, I respect their position as warranted, (i.e., President, boss, Bishop, Priest, Sister, Deacon, etc.), but, I do not automatically think they are “all that and a bag of chips” simply because they hold that position or do a few good things. Now, if after some time has passed and they prove themselves “awesome”, that will change everything. LOL.

In the case of those who could have a major impact on my life, even if every person I know thinks they are “God’s gift”, and despite my gift of discernment of heart and character, I reserve my admiration and trust until I see their “fruits” rather just the “flowers” of their fruits. Even then, I try to always remember they are human. There has only been one time in my life that I immediately trusted and admired a person (and was so intimidated by him because I had never experienced that before). I prayed to ensure I had not crossed the line into hero worship, but, God, Himself, was the one who gave me the confidence in this man in many ways (and still does).

I have witnessed the “hero worship” vs sincere admiration many times. IMHO, what causes people to fall into the trap is one of two things (or sometimes both).

1. They have just come out of a bad situation and this person appears to be the answer to their prayer. At the first sign that they do something different from the one that hurt or disappointed them, they immediately accept everything this person says or does as “good” or right. They subconsciously look to them to save them as a hero.
2. They are seeking something “more” and, again, at the first sign that this person may fill that desire, they cling to them and accept everything that person says or does as “good” or right.

The danger for the “worshiper” is that they will eventually be disappointed, hurt, and possibly even devastated. They are putting their hope and trust in a person rather than what God can or is doing through that person. (And yes they will deny that is what they are doing). They are giving the person the credit rather than God. They are not seeing the individual as a frail human being, but something beyond what anyone should rightfully be expected to be. They can be caught in a whirlwind that will land them “in the dumps”. They are so caught up, they refuse to accept that the person is human and can and does make mistakes. They fail to see the hero’s faults and blindly follow them. They can no longer see or tolerate anyone pointing out a flaw.

The danger for the “hero” is even greater (especially if they really are that good) and has too many ill effects to list but here are the 2 biggies:

1. The pressure of living up to the expectation. IF, they are what they initially seem to be, they will continue to try to live up to that expectation which is unrealistic. Plus, more times than not, when the hero does prove to be human and “errs”, the worshiper cannot accept it and will turn against them quickly. I have seen this happen, time and time again. Now they can no longer see the good that they initially saw, but only, the mistake that was made. They will be convinced that the “hero” was simply a zero all along.
2. The risk to their humility. No matter who you are, if you are constantly told you are perfect, right, magnificent, etc., eventually those worldly opinions will start seeping in (unless you truly are a saint on your way to being a Saint). The more people who jump on the hero bandwagon, the harder it is to resist. Also, again, I have seen it many times, the hero themselves will start distancing anyone who is not willing to follow him/her blindly or does not consider him/her a hero. And Heaven help the person who was following and starts to fall behind.

God knows the reason He had me write this at this time. He knows I am currently watching this dynamic play out for someone who He has recently brought into the lives of His people. Whether or not you are caught up in that specific scenario, or you find yourself in another, please give careful thought and much prayer as to how you view the people in your life.

Everyone needs to feel they matter, are making a difference, are truly doing the work God has called them to do. Everyone needs to feel appreciated, encouraged, and loved. Give those things to the people God has placed in your life, but, pray for protection that your sincere admiration does not cross the line to hero worship. Do this for yourself and for them.