The Holiness of Sacred Places: Why God's Presence Still Comes First

“My wife shall not live in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy where the Ark of the Lord has entered.”~ 2 Chronicles 8:11

In a world that constantly tells us to do what works, chase what’s comfortable, and prioritize personal or political gain, Solomon’s decision in 2 Chronicles 8:11 hits differently.

Solomon had married the daughter of Pharaoh, one of the most powerful alliances he could make. But when it came time to decide where she would live, he drew a line. She couldn’t stay in the same place where the Ark of the Covenant had been.

Why? Because that space had been touched by the presence of God. And for Solomon, that still mattered.

What Does "Holy" Even Mean?

Let’s make it simple:

Holy means something is set apart for God. It’s not common. It’s not casual. It’s sacred.

Your home can be holy.

Your marriage can be holy.

Your parenting can be holy.

But that only happens when we intentionally protect what belongs to God and refuse to let compromise move in.

When Sacred Meets Strategy

Solomon wasn’t just making a marriage decision, he was making a political move. This was about diplomacy, alliances, and expanding influence. But even in the middle of strategy, he stopped and said:

“My wife can’t live where God’s presence has been. That place is holy.”

What if we made decisions like that today?

• What if we paused before welcoming influences into our homes and said, “Is this honoring God’s presence here?”

• What if we trained our children to view their bodies, words, and decisions as sacred, not to be treated like everyone else’s?

 Culture Will Always Push Compromise

Be honest: It’s easier to go with the flow. It’s easier to let that show play, let that attitude slide, make that connection because “it helps the brand,” or “builds the platform.”

But here’s the problem:

When we stop honoring God’s holiness, we begin to lose His presence.

And Solomon’s life proves that. Though he had a moment of spiritual clarity in 2 Chronicles 8:11, later he compromised, and it eventually led him into idolatry

(1 Kings 11:4).

What Sacred Places Need to Be Protected Today?

1. Our Homes

Your home is more than a space. It’s a spiritual atmosphere. Turn off what dishonors God. Pray together. Create rhythms of worship and peace.

2. Our Marriages

Don’t normalize distance or dysfunction. Invite God in. Protect intimacy, purpose, and unity like it’s holy, because it is.

3. Our Parenting

Teach your kids that they were made to live set apart. Not weird. Not better. Holy. Let them see you choose God over convenience, comfort, and culture.

4. Our Influence

Whether you lead a family, a team, a business, or a ministry, make sure the ground you’re building on is sacred. That means truth over trend, purity over popularity, and obedience over outcome.

In a world driven by what’s effective, flashy, or “strategic,” God is still looking for people who will choose what is holy.

People who will say:

“God’s presence in my life means more than the opinions of others.”

"I’d rather lose influence than lose His favor.”

“If it touches the sacred, I won’t compromise.”

Takeaway for Today:

Holiness is not about perfection, it’s about priority.

What you protect shows what you truly value. Let your family, your decisions, and your leadership reflect this one truth:

God’s presence still comes first.