Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor David. Instead, he followed the example of his father, Joash. Amaziah did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.  2 Kings 14:3-4

The kings of Judah show a pattern in 2 Kings.  King after king “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…” but did not remove the high places where people worshipped idols.    It makes me wonder what high places I leave in my own life.  That’s a compelling thought:  I think of myself, my church, the church, that we often and in many ways do what is pleasing in God’s sight.  But not wholeheartedly.  Not like Jesus did.  And there were always consequences. 

What “shrines” does God want me to tear down; what thoughts, habits, and beliefs are leading me astray?  I think the lesson is not so much that I should do a better job of following God’s ways, but in humbly recognizing my failure to do so. 

As it is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one.”  Romans 9:10