The Need to Idealize a Human Being is a Weakness in Character

There is a clue when we question someone's preferred idol, whether in the form of a statue or a live person they elevate above others, and they become angry as though their heart worships it or them.

 
I have no sense of anger when someone criticizes someone I like or something they do. My love for that person is not based on thinking of them as perfect.

 
I am capable and comfortable with loving imperfect people because I am imperfect. I would hate it if someone idolized me because it would mean the pressure of having to live up to something impossible for me.

 
1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."

There is fear, anxiety, and insecurity in the heart of someone who cannot love anyone they think is imperfect. And, think of this, if they can only love perfect people, then perhaps they think they are perfect and worthy of worship themselves.

To idolize people is to place our trust in our perceived notion of them. As soon as the mask slips and the person who is idolized reveals their real self, all the love and idolization turn to hate. In other words, there is no real love involved in idolization of human beings; there is irrational expectation and self-involvement that requires others to measure up to our idea of perfection.

 
Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

Psalm 37:3-5 "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 9:10 "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him."

1 Peter 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you."

No human being can come close to measuring up to Christ our Lord. We are to love them the way He loved us, in spite of our flaws and defects. And, we all have them!!!!!