Altars For Sinning

In preparing to preach to our teenagers about the need (present & urgent) for repentance, I was reacquainted with this startling verse of Scripture:

Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning. Hosea 8:11

The truth of the matter is that our very hearts which we at first offered to God openly, freely and exclusively can become places where vile worship occurs, places where we affectionately caress the sins we've come to cherish. Altars for sinning. Large or small, the idols have to go and the altar needs to be cleansed. Let's make this a day for repentance and renewal.