What modern "high places" might we need to address in our faith journey? Opening Scripture “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.” 2 Kings 18:4 Why High Places Matter • In Israel, high places were literal altars where competing loyalties flourished. • Even good kings often left them standing, allowing idolatry to coexist with covenant faith (2 Kings 15:4). • God consistently called His people to wholehearted devotion: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Modern High Places Defined High places today are anything—tangible or invisible—that claims the affection, trust, or obedience that belongs to the Lord alone. Examples: • Success or career achievements (Matthew 6:24) • Money and possessions (1 Timothy 6:10) • Entertainment and digital media (Psalm 101:3) • Romantic relationships or family held above God (Luke 14:26) • Personal comfort and self-indulgence (Philippians 3:19) • Political and cultural ideologies (Isaiah 30:1–2) • Religious symbols or traditions elevated over genuine faith (Colossians 2:8) Identifying Our High Places Ask: Where do my thoughts drift first? What controls my emotions? What do I sacrifice most for in time, energy, or resources? Colossians 3:5 warns, “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature… which is idolatry”. Steps to Tear Down Modern High Places 1. Recognize – Bring hidden loyalties into the light of God’s Word (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Repent – Agree with God about misplaced worship (Acts 3:19). 3. Remove – Create firm boundaries; unsubscribe, unfollow, restructure budgets, relocate priorities (2 Corinthians 6:17). 4. Replace – Fill the cleared space with Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service (Romans 12:2). 5. Repeat – Keep short accounts; high places try to rebuild if left unguarded (Galatians 5:1). Encouragement from Scripture • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” 1 John 5:21. • “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God” 2 Corinthians 10:5. • “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD… there was none like him… for he held fast to the LORD” 2 Kings 18:5-6. Conclusion Hezekiah’s courage shows that high places can be torn down. By the Spirit’s power and the clarity of God’s Word, we can identify and dismantle every modern rival, living in the undivided devotion our Lord deserves. |
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