TEAR THEM DOWN
Today's reading:  2 Kings 11-15

The common theme in today's reading? 

Half-hearted worship.

Some of the kings of Israel were known for following God.  Some were known for doing right in God's sight, but it's also recorded that they did not destroy the idols, temples and altars of the foreign gods in their lands--as they had been instructed.

Sound familiar?

Let's use other terms, terms that might bring it in to today's day and time.

They were tolerant.

They allowed for dabbling, as long as church attendance didn't drop.

They wanted a back-up, in case the God thing didn't work.

They didn't want to stir up too much stuff.

They wanted what kept them comfortable, what they were accustomed to, what their parents had always done.

Am I allowing ungodly things to remain in my home, my head, my heart? Am I allowing myself the option to sin, because isn't that what worshipping anything other than God is?  Am I not cleaning out the closets and corners of my heart in order for God to have full access?

The kings who chose not to clear out the idols eventually turned to them.  Why?  Because they were there.  When one gets rid of all but God, God is all you have--all you need.

The way of holiness that leads to happiness is a narrow way; there is but just room enough for a holy God and a holy soul to walk together.                          -Thomas Brooks