Toppling False Idols: When Your Heroes Obscure the King
Are You Following Jesus or the World’s Versions of Greatness?
“Therefore be imitators of God.” —Ephesians 5:1
Brothers, let’s face it—we love our heroes. From the time we’re boys, we look up to men and women who seem to embody strength, courage, wisdom, or success. We study their lives, we emulate their habits, and we often try to model our own lives after theirs. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with admiring others, there’s a line we cross far too often—a line where admiration becomes idolization, and our heroes begin to obscure the One we’re truly called to follow: Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul understood the value of godly role models. He boldly wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul wasn’t pointing to himself as the ultimate example; he was pointing to Christ through his own life. That’s the key difference. When we admire someone for their Christlikeness, for how they reflect Jesus to the world, we’re on solid ground. But when we admire them for their worldly success, their achievements, or their possessions, we step into dangerous territory.
When Heroes Become Idols
It’s easy to fall into this trap. We see someone who’s “made it”—in business, in ministry, in sports, or in entertainment—and we think, If I could just be like him, I’d be fulfilled. We start chasing what they have: their careers, their influence, their charisma, their material wealth. We tell ourselves we’re just being inspired, but the truth is, we’re letting them overshadow the only Hero who truly matters.
Here’s the problem: every man is flawed. Even the best of our heroes, whether they’re pastors, CEOs, athletes, or friends, are broken in some way. When we fixate on their success, we often miss their struggles, their sacrifices, and even their sins. Worse, we can end up imitating their flaws without realizing it.
Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Your heroes—no matter how impressive—are no exception. Placing them too high on a pedestal not only risks your own spiritual growth, but it also risks distorting your view of Christ.
The Danger of Obscuring Jesus
When we elevate people too high, they begin to block our view of Jesus. And let’s be real—this can happen even with spiritual leaders. Pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders can become idols if we start seeing them as the ultimate authority rather than as servants pointing us to Christ.
Jesus Himself warned against this kind of misplaced focus. Matthew 23:8-10 says, “You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” The message is clear: no one—no matter how godly or successful—is worthy of the worship and trust that belongs to Jesus alone.
How to Keep Christ at the Center
So, what do we do when we realize we’ve let someone else take up too much space in our hearts or minds? How do we ensure our admiration doesn’t cross the line into idolization?
Examine Your Heart
Ask yourself honestly:Who do I admire most, and why?
Am I drawn to their Christlikeness or their worldly success?
Have I placed them above Jesus in any way?
Be brutally honest, brother. 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” This isn’t a one-time check; it’s an ongoing process.
Shift Your Focus
If your admiration for someone has turned into idolization, confess it to God. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then, intentionally refocus your attention on Jesus. Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to help you see Him more clearly than any earthly role model.Look for Christlikeness
It’s not wrong to have role models—but choose wisely. Look for men who reflect Jesus in their character, their humility, and their love for others. Admire their faithfulness, not their flashiness. And remember, even the most godly men are only pointing you to the ultimate Hero.Be a Role Model Yourself
God has called you to be a reflection of Christ to those around you. 1 Corinthians 11:1 isn’t just Paul’s command; it’s a challenge for all of us. Strive to live in such a way that others can see Jesus through you.
A Call to Action: Topple the Idols
Brother, it’s time to take an honest look at your heroes. Who are you following, and why? If you’ve placed anyone—no matter how great—above Jesus, it’s time to topple that idol. Your ultimate calling isn’t to imitate another man; it’s to imitate God. Ephesians 5:1 commands us to be “imitators of God, as beloved children.” That’s the standard.
So, what’s your next step? Take time today to pray and reflect. Write down the names of your heroes and ask yourself:
What am I truly admiring in them?
Are they pointing me to Jesus or distracting me from Him?
How can I ensure that my focus stays on Christ?
Let’s hold one another accountable, brothers. Share your reflections in the comments below, and let’s commit to keeping Jesus at the center of everything we do.
Your brother in Christ,
Matthew Adams