In "The Great Controversy" E. G. White writes ( page 85) As men rejoice in the freedom which the truth brings them they are inclined to extol those whom God has employed to break the chains of error and superstition. Satan seeks to divert men's thoughts and affections from God, and to fix them upon human agencies; he leads them to honor the mere instrument and to ignore the Hand that directs all the events of providence. Too often religious leaders who are thus praised and reverenced lose sight of their dependence upon God and are led to trust in themselves. As a result they seek to control the minds and conscience of the people who are disposed to look to them for guidance instead of looking to the word of God.
One man worked tirelessly for his church whether it be manual labor or teaching or advising or serving others. To his pastor he was ever faithful but careful to serve the office and not the man. As the church grew and families were added there can a time when a man came with whom the pastor felt a close bond and the two became fast friends. A third man, a friend, relative, and neighbor of the pastors new best friend became party to the pastors friendship and as a result was given an office in the church. The third man has taken his office seriously but has chosen to serve the pastor as a person rather than the pastor as an office.
As a result the first and faithful servant has been excluded more and more from the affairs of the church. As a result of the focus on each other rather than the things of God a crack has been seen in the fabric that has held the church together and has caused it to grow. I'm not sure if the fabric can be repaired before it becomes so large that the cloth is no longer useable.
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