Oct 15 Devotion: The Cult of Personality

2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

         I recently read a quote that said, “False teaching survives because people love the teacher more than the text”. The world is full of personality driven industries. Some charismatic person has risen to notoriety and draws a crowd to follow them. It has certainly become far too common a practice in Christian circles. People become so enamored with preachers, teachers, and ministry leaders that it doesn’t matter what they say or what they have done. Even the ones that preach the truth have been placed on a pedestal in an improper position. All that matters is that they “love the teacher more than the text”. It is even possible to continue to idolize certain leaders after they are dead; lifting them up to a place that borders on idolatry.

Romans 13:7-8

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

         It is right to give honor to whom honor is due, but there is only one that should be worshipped. His name is above every name. His name is Jesus. He is to be lifted up above everyone else. Instead of hearing so much about a particular preacher, let us make much of Jesus. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is the King of kings. Christianity should be all about him instead of it becoming a cult of personality.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5