Removing Idols

"But the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places." 2 Kings 12:3 (NKJV)

We often encounter new believers who still have idols or other pagan objects in their homes. On one occasion, we were discipling a married couple. While touring their apartment, we discovered their idol shelf in a back room. After we showed them scriptural teachings on idols, they were determined to remove the shelf immediately.
The idol shelf was removed with a screwdriver, and all its implement were tossed into a box. We patched the holes in the wall with putty, and the new believers placed a cross over the patching just to make it clear where their loyalty rested. Then the husband boldly walked outside and smashed the head off the idol with a hammer as his curious neighbors started in disbelief.
While cleansing their home of pagan objects, I reflected on my life. How many "high places" do I still have in my own life? God revealed to me the stronghold of pride in my heart. Instead of relying on God's power, I often summon my pride and tell myself, "I can do this." When criticized by others, instead of turning to Jesus, I soothe my pride by saying to myself, "Who cares what they think?"
Pride was getting me deeper in sin and further away from God's powerful grace. My idol, pride, wasn't sitting up on a shelf; it was hidden deep in my heart. It will take more than a one-time smash with a hammer to remove pride. It requires daily confession and repentance for me to take away this "high place."

~A worker in China
Voices of the Faithful w/ Beth Moore
Integrity Publishers: 2005