How can we "remove the high places" in our own spiritual lives today? Setting the Scene in 2 Chronicles 14:3 “For he removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.” King Asa’s first act of reform was demolition. Before building anything new for the Lord, he tore down every rival shrine. The pattern still holds: revival begins with removal. What High Places Look Like Today • Anything trusted more than God: finances, career, health, reputation • Secret sins guarded instead of surrendered: bitterness, lust, envy, pride • Cultural idols: entertainment, social media, consumerism, politics • Religious substitutes: empty rituals, tradition elevated over truth • Self-exaltation: craving applause, insisting on personal control Recognizing Personal High Places • Compare affections with the first commandment (Deuteronomy 6:5). • Track time, money, and attention; these reveal what is enthroned. • Measure attitudes by the Word (Hebrews 4:12). • Invite the Spirit’s conviction and listen (Psalm 139:23-24). Demolishing High Places: Practical Steps 1. Confront them with Scripture “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) 2. Confess and repent “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) 3. Remove tangible links • Delete immoral media, end compromising relationships, reshape schedules. • Acts 19:19 shows believers burning occult scrolls—costly but freeing. 4. Replace with wholehearted worship “Seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and obey His laws and commands.” (2 Chronicles 14:4) • Fill mind and mouth with praise (Colossians 3:16). • Serve others; idols wither when love acts. 5. Guard the gates “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” (Psalm 101:3) • Establish boundaries on media, relationships, and habits. Sustaining a High-Place-Free Life • Daily Scripture intake renews the mind (Romans 12:1-2). • Fellowship and accountability keep altars from rebuilding (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Continual gratitude shifts focus from idols to the Giver (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Prompt obedience keeps the heart tender (James 1:22). The Promise of Rest “Asa also removed the high places… and the kingdom was at peace under him.” (2 Chronicles 14:5) When high places fall, God gives rest—freedom from the tyranny of hidden idols and the joy of unbroken fellowship with Him. |
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