Are We Worshiping the Wrong Heroes?

Should We Celebrate Those Who Praise God but Live Worldly Lives?

It’s easy to be drawn to public figures who mention God in interviews, point to the sky after a game, or speak out for conservative and moral values. Many Christians celebrate these moments, praising these individuals as “good Christians” and holding them up as examples to follow. But is this the kind of faithfulness God desires? Should we be placing our trust in these people and elevating them before our children as role models?

While it is good to see someone acknowledge God, we must be careful not to put our faith in people simply because they say the right things. Jesus warned about this very issue:

"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." (Matthew 15:8)

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The Problem of Worldly Examples

Many of the same athletes and celebrities who praise God on the field also display behavior that is completely contrary to His word. We see them mouthing and screaming expletives during a game, promoting worldly lifestyles on social media, and engaging in behavior that Scripture clearly condemns. Yet, because they publicly “thank God,” many justify their actions. But does merely speaking God’s name make someone a faithful example?

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)

Jesus makes it clear that words alone are not enough—obedience to God's will matters. When we overlook sinful behavior simply because someone acknowledges God, we are not discerning wisely. Instead, we risk normalizing sin and teaching our children that partial devotion to God is acceptable.

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What Are We Teaching Our Children?

As parents and leaders, we have a responsibility to set the right examples for our children. When we praise athletes, celebrities, or influential figures who live contrary to God’s Word, what message are we sending? Children naturally want to emulate those whom they see adults admire. If we praise a football player who curses and promotes worldly things, or a businessman who has children with multiple women but speaks against liberal policies, are we teaching them to follow God’s Word or to compromise?

Paul warned against following worldly examples:

"Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’" (1 Corinthians 15:33)

We may think that a person’s good words outweigh their bad actions, but Scripture tells us that bad influences lead to corruption. Our children need to see us upholding God’s standard, not just admiring those who say a few good things about God while living contrary to Him.

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True Examples of Godliness

Scripture does not call us to elevate people simply because they say they believe in God. Instead, we are to look to faithful, obedient servants of God as examples:

"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Paul didn’t tell Christians to follow him just because he spoke about Christ—he pointed them to his way of life as a reflection of Christ’s example. This is what we should seek in those we admire. Does this person’s life reflect Jesus? Do they practice what they preach?

Even more importantly, our ultimate example is always Christ Himself:

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2)

Rather than putting our hope in athletes, celebrities, or businessmen who may fail us, we should fix our eyes on Jesus—the only perfect example.

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Being Wise in Discernment

It is not inherently wrong to appreciate someone for speaking truth or acknowledging God, but we must be careful not to elevate them as Christian role models when their lives do not reflect true discipleship. We must ask:

• Are they truly following Christ, or just giving lip service?

• Does their lifestyle align with God’s Word?

• What message are we sending our children when we praise them?

Let us be wise in our discernment, ensuring that we are teaching the next generation to follow Jesus, not just those who claim His name while living contrary to Him.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." (1 John 5:21)

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