The Dangers of Putting Man on a Pedestal

It is of the greatest importance to avoid the idolatry of human talent and capabilities, as no man should stand between your soul and Jesus Christ1888 836.1+1. Placing finite, erring human beings on a pedestal or allowing one man’s mind to control another leads to a failure of the grace of God18MR 225.1+1. We are instructed to let every man stand for what he is in the sight of God—a finite man—rather than exalting human instruments as though they were the only means through which the Lord can workPH028 21.2.

The Danger of Human Glorification

• Idolatry of Men: There is a prevalent danger in the church of praising and flattering men, which is an evidence of backsliding and spiritual blindness5T 75.2.

• A Snare to the Soul: Depending on human guidance and wisdom is a snare; those who lean upon the human mind lean upon a broken reedSpM 414.3.

• Presumption of Control: It is the greatest presumption for any person to assume dictation or control over their fellow men, as every individual is responsible solely to God18MR 225.1.

• Dwarfed Experience: When people look up to men and regard their words as inspired, they become mere copies of others and are dwarfed in their religious experience1888 836.1.

Proper Relation to God and Man

• God is the Owner: God is the absolute owner of man, and to his Maker alone does man stand or fall Romans 14:418MR 225.1+1.

• Christ as the Only Pattern: Jesus Christ is the only example worthy of being followed, and he has provided moral independence so that we do not depend on another man's conscience17MR 193.2+1.

• Equality in Heaven: All men stand on an equality before God, for there is no caste with Him and all are considered brothers Matthew 23:8RH March 31, 1896, par. 3.

• A Teachable Spirit: Ministers and people must exchange natural pride and independence for a child-like, teachable spirit at the feet of JesusST November 24, 1881, par. 7.

Our people are making very dangerous mistakes. We cannot praise and flatter any man without doing him a great wrong; those who do this will meet with serious disappointment. They trust too fully to finite man and not enough to God, who never errs. The eager desire to urge men into public notice is an evidence of backsliding from God and of friendship with the world. It is the spirit which characterizes the present day. It shows that men have not the mind of Jesus; spiritual blindness and poverty of soul have come upon them. Often persons of inferior minds look away from Jesus to a merely human standard, by which they are not made conscious of their own littleness, and hence have an undue estimate of their own capabilities and endowments. There is among us as a people an idolatry of human instrumentalities and mere human talent, and these even of a superficial character. We must die to self and cherish h...— 5T 75.2 (1889)

... bids you come to Him, the great Teacher, and learn of Him, and you should find rest to your souls. Let no man stand between your soul and Jesus Christ, thinking that the Lord tells him that which He refuses to tell you. Give God a chance, ministering...— 1888 836.1 (1987)

It is the greatest presumption for man to assume the right of dictation and control over his fellow men. God is the owner of man. To his Maker, man stands or falls. To God he is responsible, not to his fellow men. Every man has an individuality of his own, which is not to be submerged in any other human being. The life of each one must be hid with Christ in God. Men are under God's control, not under the control of weak, erring human beings. They are to be left free to be guided by the Holy Spirit, not by the fitful, perverse spirit of un...— 18MR 225.1 (1990)

..., because, in doing so much for him and making so much of him, you have turned the man's head. Let every man stand for what he is in the sight of God,—a finite man— PH028 21.2 (1890)

... another equally delightful in the bosom of the woman who is conscious that, but for her, the great man would never have mounted the pedestal of his greatness— HR July 1, 1873, par. 26 (1866)