The Sin of Ministry Idolatry and How to Avoid It

Serving in a ministry for the Lord is undoubtedly one of the most profound activities we can undertake as Christians. There are various types of ministries, but we serve the same God. Some are called to teach or preach the Word, while others excel in serving others by providing much-needed help or assistance in various capacities. However, there are instances where serving the Lord in a ministerial role can turn negative to the point of becoming a sin. This is what we often refer to as ministry idolatry.

Understanding Ministry Idolatry

Idolatry is typically defined in Scripture as diverting an action that is meant for God towards something else. It may also entail placing greater value on something other than God. In the Old Testament, we observed how the Israelites continually fell into idolatry in the Promised Land. They erected altars for other "gods" and offered worship that was intended solely for God. This directly violated God's commandment:

“You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol or any likeness of what is in heaven above, on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them.” — Exodus 20:3-5

However, we must also remember that idolatry is not limited to the worship of created images. It encompasses anything we value, and invest time and effort in, more than God. There are instances where we commit this sin by prioritizing worldly things over God. There are also times when we put more effort into seeking blessings rather than focusing on the God who blesses us. The same can be said for our service to the Lord or ministry. When it becomes the primary focus rather than the One whom we serve, it is called ministry idolatry.

One of the most prominent examples of committing ministry idolatry can be found in the Book of Revelation. In John's vision, God sent messages to seven churches, and one of them was the church at Ephesus.

"You have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love." — Revelation 2:3-4

The church may have persevered and endured in its service for the Lord or ministry, no matter how challenging it was. There seems to be nothing wrong with what they did, and we may even consider it highly commendable in God's sight. Nevertheless, what they forgot was God Himself—the One they loved and the One for whom they were supposed to carry out their ministry.

We have all been guilty of ministry idolatry at some point in our lives, especially when we are very active in ministry. Often, due to the burdens and fatigue associated with our tasks, we forget to maintain fellowship with God through prayer or the reading of His Word. It appears that our focus shifts from God to our service itself.

Another form of ministry idolatry occurs when we love the benefits of serving God more than God Himself. This can manifest as the desire for the spotlight or fame, or it can involve the benefits we receive through our ministry. There are times when we are immensely blessed because of what we do, but instead of loving the One who blessed us, we often end up loving the blessings themselves. We know that this should not be the case.

Jesus desires an intimate relationship with us and for us to enjoy fellowship with Him, as demonstrated in the story of Mary and Martha. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him and relishing His company. Meanwhile, Martha was busy with preparations for the Lord. Both were engaged in serving, but only Mary grasped the importance of abiding in Christ. When Martha attempted to persuade the Lord that Mary was in the wrong, Jesus rebuked her and affirmed that Mary had chosen the right path.

"But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." — Luke 10:42

The Negative Effects of Ministry Idolatry

Ministry idolatry can have detrimental effects on us as Christians. Being drawn more to the activities we perform for the Lord rather than to the Lord Himself can impact our fellowship with Him. If this occurs, we may notice that our time spent with the Lord is diminishing, leading to feelings of sorrow instead of joy. The truth is, that true happiness can only be found in abiding in Christ.

Often, those who fall into ministry idolatry experience "burnout." They consistently feel tired and overwhelmed by their responsibilities. In the long run, instead of finding inspiration in serving God, they become susceptible to taking a break from ministry for an extended period or even ceasing to serve the Lord entirely.

Ministry idolatry also redirects a person's focus from God towards their efforts, hindering their ongoing learning about God. People who succumb to the sin of ministry idolatry become more fixated on their contributions to the ministry rather than deepening their knowledge of the Lord through His Word. The study of Scripture becomes a secondary priority. The common excuse for this is, "I am serving the Lord in the ministry."

Ministry idolatry involves a misguided focus on the wrong aspect—effort or one's abilities. We must correct this sin in our lives if we find ourselves caught in it. Even Jesus admonished His followers for being more enthralled by the ministry itself rather than by the gospel and the love of God.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." — Luke 10:17-20

Avoiding the Sin of Ministry Idolatry

To steer clear of the sin of ministry idolatry, we must remember what holds greater significance: the Lord Himself and our relationship with and love for Him. We must bear in mind that service should be the result of that love, never a replacement for God in our lives. Ministry should naturally emanate from a heart filled with love and devotion for God.

Take a moment to examine your ministry involvement. Does it consume so much of your energy and time that you no longer have room for personal fellowship with the Lord? If so, perhaps it's time to consider taking a pause or slowing down. You can also discuss your situation with your church leaders or pastors and inquire about taking a break or finding someone to share the workload of your ministry.

Additionally, it is crucial to cultivate humility in our lives. We should always remember that our service to the Lord must be carried out with a humble heart. Motivation matters! Our goal should be to make the name of Christ more widely known and bring greater glory to His name, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves. Like actors in a stage play, Christ should be the sole hero of the story, and we should view ourselves as backstage workers. We desire the applause to be directed toward Jesus.

Maintaining the right balance between ministry and fellowship with God, while constantly assessing our motives, is one of the key methods to avoid falling into the trap of ministry idolatry. Ultimately, God desires for us to deepen our knowledge of Him and find joy in His presence. He values our service, but He desires for it to naturally flow from our love and devotion toward Him!

Prevent Ministry Idolatry by Following Jesus' Example