Admiration or Idolization?

Admiration, at its heart, is a form of deep respect, a reverence that stems from recognizing something greater than ourselves. The word itself reminds us that admiration isn't passive—it's active, it demands our attention. But when we speak of who deserves this admiration, there is none like Christ. His life was a flawless embodiment of character—meekness in the face of betrayal, compassion for those the world dismissed, and wisdom far beyond human understanding.

To admire any person fully, as if they require no growth or correction, reveals our own misunderstanding. Even though we are made in YAH’s image, Adam and Eve’s fall exposed our inherent imperfection. There was, and still is, something missing. That missing piece is Christ—YAH’s Son. He is the one who restores the connection to our Heavenly Father, the bridge spanning the gulf between us. He is our advocate, our voice before the Father, THE JUDGE with Christ THE LAWYER. His life was a masterpiece of obedience, His heart set on fulfilling YAH’s divine will. No one could, or ever will, rival that, and YAH never intended for anyone to.

Admire the traits of the faithful—Job’s endurance, Moses’ reluctant yet powerful leadership, Abraham’s unwavering obedience, or the bold faith of Moses’ mother, who sent her son down a river in a basket. These traits reflect YAH’s grace working through them. But to admire the person themselves is to overlook their humanity—they faltered, they sinned, they fell short. Yet through Christ, they rose again. This is the resilience we should honor—a resilience made possible only by Him.

Yet, admiration of individuals can lead to idolization, and YAH has commanded us not to make idols of anyone. We must not elevate anyone to a place where they receive the reverence reserved for YAH alone. Instead, let the traits of those we admire motivate us—encourage us to grow and follow their example. But never forget, the only true source of perfect admiration is Christ, who stands alone in worthiness.