Subtle Idolatry

This idea is fairly new and I'm still thinking it through, so be forgiving and give me some feedback...

I've been observing adolescents in the church for about five years as a leader and I was one for ten. Until this morning, I was unable to put my finger on what was going on with the majority of youth I have met, even myself for quite a long time. I see "good" kids. I see kids who can give me good answers, yet something about them just doesn't get it. But, why? I think it may have something to do with this: subtle idolatry. Yes, the exchanging of the Creator for the created, but even worse is exchanging the Creator for something good and associated with Him. It is worse because it is so difficult to identify and most often we get praised for these things. I first observed this in my own life. So often I put the pursuit of a greater faith before Christ. Faith is my idol. Similarly, instead of replacing sin with Christ, I will replace sin with the idea of "purifying" my heart. Essentially I put things in front of me other than Christ to pursue, not realizing that it is through the pursuit of Christ that those things come into being.
Now, how does this relate to adolescents? Well, I think that there has become a trend in youth ministry. Our purpose is to equip students and seeking out that purpose, I think we have tried to take the easier route of teaching techniques and methods. So what we have done is teach technique over Truth and ways to become closer to Christ over Christ. We need to see that holiness, being a disciple, and Truth go much deeper than methods. It is messier than that. The road is longer and rougher. It requires patience and faith. It takes the work of Christ and the seal of the Spirit. We as "ministers" must be willing to do the hard work of loving people.