Courageous Devotion Over Cultural Conformity
“His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 17:6
King Jehoshaphat’s story is one of bold devotion. His heart was courageous in God’s ways—not merely in feeling, but in decisive action. He removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah, tearing down what had become centers of compromise. These elevated shrines, often blending worship of Yahweh with Canaanite practices, included the Asherim—wooden symbols of the fertility goddess Asherah, whose cult frequently involved ritual sensuality, cult prostitution, and physical acts tied to “blessings.” What started as cultural accommodation slid into spiritual adultery, mixing holy faith with worldly sensuality and idolatry.
The high places weren’t always obviously evil; some had once been used for legitimate worship. But they allowed mixture—conformity to surrounding cultures rather than transformation by God’s truth. Jehoshaphat recognized the danger and acted, refusing to let small compromises erode covenant faithfulness.
Today, modern “high places” often look different but carry the same risk: elevated priorities that compete with wholehearted devotion to Christ. One subtle yet powerful example is the temptation to place culture over kingdom.
In a world that celebrates ethnic pride, national identity, and cultural representation, it’s easy to cheer for figures or moments that “represent” us—even when their platforms promote sensuality, objectification, pride, or lifestyles that contradict Scripture. The pull feels like loyalty and belonging, but excusing sin because it’s wrapped in cultural appeal creates moral blind spots, much like the ancient high places.
Yet balance is essential here. Not every piece of secular culture is demonic or off-limits. Take music, for example. Some secular songs are neutral or even positive—uplifting instrumentals, nature-themed ballads that reflect God’s creation, or lighthearted pop which are not inherently sinful. Enjoying these can be part of God’s common grace. Similarly, shopping at stores like Target or Walmart isn’t automatically endorsing their corporate views, any more than Jesus paying taxes to Caesar supported Roman idolatry or oppression (Matthew 22:21).
Christian liberty is real: if your conscience is clear after testing it against Scripture and prayer, you are free (Romans 14:23). Legalism—imposing extra-biblical rules and judging others harshly—creates a joyless faith and misses the grace of God.
At the same time, many elements in modern culture do cross clear lines. Music, videos, and media that celebrate obscene sensuality, objectification, rebellion, or agendas opposing God’s design are not neutral—they pervert God’s good gifts when Scripture calls us to avoid even the hint of such immorality (Ephesians 5:3-4). A mere “hint” matters because it can desensitize us over time, gradually dulling our spiritual sensitivity and leading to greater compromise. The apostle Paul urges believers to live in such a way that immorality isn’t even whispered about among us, preserving a testimony that honors Christ without mixture.
The nuance matters: this is not about banning all culture. It’s about testing everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21), holding fast to what is good, and abstaining from every form of evil (v. 22). Christians can and should celebrate heritage as a gift from God (Acts 17:26), appreciating the beauty and diversity He created. But every expression of culture must be subordinated to kingdom priorities. If something pulls us away from holiness, dulls our sensitivity to sin, or elevates identity above Christ, it is worth removing—just as Jehoshaphat tore down the high places.
Living this way requires us to keep first things first. As Pastor Tony Evans put it: “Obeying the will of God takes priority over satisfying cultural expectations.”
Our primary citizenship is in God’s kingdom. Culture is to be engaged with and appreciated, but never allowed to override biblical truth or become an idol. We advance God’s rule by living distinctly within culture as we are transformed by the Spirit of Christ, not conformed to the spirit of the age.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you for delivering us through the finished work of Jesus from the domain of darkness and transferring us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Give us courageous hearts like Jehoshaphat’s. Reveal any high places we’ve allowed—whether through cultural compromise or legalistic rigidity. Help us walk the balanced path of liberty and holiness: testing everything, enjoying Your good gifts with a clear conscience, yet refusing to tolerate even a hint of what dishonors You. Transform our minds and priorities so that Christ reigns supreme over every part of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
King Jehoshaphat’s story is one of bold devotion. His heart was courageous in God’s ways—not merely in feeling, but in decisive action. He removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah, tearing down what had become centers of compromise. These elevated shrines, often blending worship of Yahweh with Canaanite practices, included the Asherim—wooden symbols of the fertility goddess Asherah, whose cult frequently involved ritual sensuality, cult prostitution, and physical acts tied to “blessings.” What started as cultural accommodation slid into spiritual adultery, mixing holy faith with worldly sensuality and idolatry.
The high places weren’t always obviously evil; some had once been used for legitimate worship. But they allowed mixture—conformity to surrounding cultures rather than transformation by God’s truth. Jehoshaphat recognized the danger and acted, refusing to let small compromises erode covenant faithfulness.
Today, modern “high places” often look different but carry the same risk: elevated priorities that compete with wholehearted devotion to Christ. One subtle yet powerful example is the temptation to place culture over kingdom.
In a world that celebrates ethnic pride, national identity, and cultural representation, it’s easy to cheer for figures or moments that “represent” us—even when their platforms promote sensuality, objectification, pride, or lifestyles that contradict Scripture. The pull feels like loyalty and belonging, but excusing sin because it’s wrapped in cultural appeal creates moral blind spots, much like the ancient high places.
Yet balance is essential here. Not every piece of secular culture is demonic or off-limits. Take music, for example. Some secular songs are neutral or even positive—uplifting instrumentals, nature-themed ballads that reflect God’s creation, or lighthearted pop which are not inherently sinful. Enjoying these can be part of God’s common grace. Similarly, shopping at stores like Target or Walmart isn’t automatically endorsing their corporate views, any more than Jesus paying taxes to Caesar supported Roman idolatry or oppression (Matthew 22:21).
Christian liberty is real: if your conscience is clear after testing it against Scripture and prayer, you are free (Romans 14:23). Legalism—imposing extra-biblical rules and judging others harshly—creates a joyless faith and misses the grace of God.
At the same time, many elements in modern culture do cross clear lines. Music, videos, and media that celebrate obscene sensuality, objectification, rebellion, or agendas opposing God’s design are not neutral—they pervert God’s good gifts when Scripture calls us to avoid even the hint of such immorality (Ephesians 5:3-4). A mere “hint” matters because it can desensitize us over time, gradually dulling our spiritual sensitivity and leading to greater compromise. The apostle Paul urges believers to live in such a way that immorality isn’t even whispered about among us, preserving a testimony that honors Christ without mixture.
The nuance matters: this is not about banning all culture. It’s about testing everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21), holding fast to what is good, and abstaining from every form of evil (v. 22). Christians can and should celebrate heritage as a gift from God (Acts 17:26), appreciating the beauty and diversity He created. But every expression of culture must be subordinated to kingdom priorities. If something pulls us away from holiness, dulls our sensitivity to sin, or elevates identity above Christ, it is worth removing—just as Jehoshaphat tore down the high places.
Living this way requires us to keep first things first. As Pastor Tony Evans put it: “Obeying the will of God takes priority over satisfying cultural expectations.”
Our primary citizenship is in God’s kingdom. Culture is to be engaged with and appreciated, but never allowed to override biblical truth or become an idol. We advance God’s rule by living distinctly within culture as we are transformed by the Spirit of Christ, not conformed to the spirit of the age.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise you for delivering us through the finished work of Jesus from the domain of darkness and transferring us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Give us courageous hearts like Jehoshaphat’s. Reveal any high places we’ve allowed—whether through cultural compromise or legalistic rigidity. Help us walk the balanced path of liberty and holiness: testing everything, enjoying Your good gifts with a clear conscience, yet refusing to tolerate even a hint of what dishonors You. Transform our minds and priorities so that Christ reigns supreme over every part of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.