When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” Acts 10:25-26

I doubt that anyone reading this is ever tempted to actually blatantly worship another mere mortal. But many, to varying degrees, are prone to adulate other mere mortals. All cultures have their heroes. It is not bad to honor heroes if they have actually done something heroic. Celebrities are something else altogether! Someone once sad “Heroes are honored for doing something heroic or at least extraordinary. Celebrities are usually famous for being famous."

Celebrity worship, or even honoring celebrities is likely to be misguided. What does celebrity worship look like? Examples may involve posters of celebrity performers, or athletes—or wearing a jersey with an athlete’s number on it. The problem is in the heart. The posters and jerseys only display what is in the heart.

But what about in the church? It is fine to love the teaching ministry of a favorite preacher, but we must not make the mistake Paul hones in on in 1 Corinthians: “identifying ourselves” with a favorite teacher:

Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:12

Be careful telling people how great they are. Instead, tell them you thank God for speaking to you through them.

And whenever we are on the receiving end of adulation, let us do as Peter did, deflecting any adulation we may receive, pointing the well-meaning person toward Christ and away from ourselves.