In what ways can we "remove the altars" in our modern-day lives?

◄ How can we remove modern-day altars? ►

The Original Call to Remove Altars

2 Chronicles 14:3: “For Asa removed the foreign altars and high places; he smashed the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah poles.”

Why Altars Had to Go

• They diverted hearts from the Lord’s exclusive worship (Deuteronomy 12:2-3).

• They invited compromise with surrounding cultures (2 Kings 17:9-12).

• God required decisive action, not partial measures (Exodus 23:24).

What Counts as a Modern Altar?

• Anything that steals first place from Christ (Colossians 3:5).

• Patterns or habits secretly trusted for security—career, savings, approval.

• Media, entertainment, or relationships that dull affection for the Lord (1 John 2:15-16).

• Hidden sins we nurture rather than confess (Psalm 66:18).

Recognizing the Signs of an Altar

• It consumes disproportionate time, thought, or money.

• Losing it would feel like losing life’s meaning (Matthew 6:24).

• We excuse or rationalize it when the Spirit convicts.

• It thrives in secrecy; we avoid bringing it into the light (John 3:20-21).

Practical Steps to Remove Today’s Altars

1. Identify and name it honestly before God (Psalm 139:23-24).

2. Repent decisively—turn, don’t negotiate (Acts 3:19).

3. Cut off access points:

• Delete, cancel, uninstall, unfollow.

• Relocate resources to kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:19-21).

4. Replace the vacuum with worship and obedience:

• Daily Scripture intake (Joshua 1:8).

• Meaningful fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Serving others in tangible ways (Galatians 5:13).

5. Stay alert to re-building attempts; idols creep back (Galatians 4:8-9).

6. Celebrate incremental victories—the Lord equips and sustains (Philippians 1:6).

Living Free from Fallen Altars

• Liberty: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).

• Clarity: Whole-hearted devotion sharpens discernment (James 1:22-25).

• Witness: A life free of idols points others to the sufficiency of Jesus (1 Peter 2:12).

Encouraging Scriptures

• 1 John 5:21 – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

• Colossians 3:1-3 – “Set your minds on things above…”

• 1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”

• Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”