What are modern equivalents of "high places" we might be tempted to build? Tracing the Old Pattern: High Places Then • 2 Kings 17:9 — “The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city they built themselves high places in all their towns.” • High places were unauthorized altars set up on hills or platforms. Even when dedicated to the LORD, they competed with His appointed worship in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:2-5; 1 Kings 12:31). • They represented convenience, cultural blending, and self-directed religion—worship shaped by human preference rather than divine command. What High Places Look Like Today Anything we elevate—physically, emotionally, or mentally—above wholehearted obedience becomes a functional “high place.” Common examples: • Career ambition that overrides Sabbath rest or ethical integrity (Matthew 6:24). • Material accumulation—houses, cars, gadgets—sought for identity and security (Luke 12:15). • Entertainment and media consumption that dominates thought life and schedule (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Romantic relationships or family ties turned into ultimate sources of meaning (Matthew 10:37). • Personal reputation and social media image curated for admiration (Proverbs 29:25). • Political allegiance or nationalism elevated above the kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20). • Religious tradition or ministry activity prized more than loving obedience (Isaiah 29:13; Revelation 2:4). • Self-reliance—trusting personal wisdom, health, or savings instead of the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5). Why Modern High Places Are Dangerous • They divide devotion: “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). • They deceive the heart: idolatry often looks respectable (Colossians 3:5). • They defile worship: mixing God’s name with rival trusts provokes His jealousy (Exodus 20:3-5). • They dull spiritual sensitivity: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). Spotting High Places in Everyday Life • Where does my mind drift during quiet moments? • What do I instinctively run to for comfort before I pray? • Which loss would feel like life is no longer worth living? • What receives the first and best of my time, money, and conversation? Steps to Tear Them Down • Identify them honestly—call them what God calls them (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confess and renounce—agree with God about their sinfulness (1 John 1:9). • Remove the props—adjust habits, budgets, and schedules (2 Kings 23:19). • Replace with true worship—seek the Lord in Word, fellowship, and service (Romans 12:1-2). • Guard the cleared ground—“take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). |
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