Tuesday, May 17, 2016

How high is the High Road? BY SUSAN HARRIS

When it rains in the countryside where I live, one could take the high road to avoid flooding that is certain on the roads in the low-lying areas. But I’m not referring to the path described by geographic elevation.

The phrase “take the high road” is ascribed to American origin, and means  “to approach an endeavour or problem in a fashion that is above pettiness, to travel the moral high ground, to behave decently”.

Noble callings! Our natural instinct is to defend, to retaliate, to give her “a piece of our minds” (hmm, what percentage remains?).  Taking the high road is not easy as a person consciously chooses not to make a defense of himself, and this noble act itself becomes an object of criticism.

Long before America came into existence, our Lord disclosed His noble standard to the prophet Isaiah. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9 (KJV) He identifies the high road, His Way, and that it is superior to our lower ways.

David writes in Psalm 18:30. “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. (KJV). The question of whose way is better, nay perfect, is established (and it’s not my way.)

A prophecy of the millennium echoes, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (KJV) The Lord seeks to deliver us from contrary ways that goes against His perfect will for our maturing. 
  
The conclusion - 
  • ·      There is a higher way.
  • ·      That way is perfect.
  • ·      We are asked to walk in that way.

 I can approach an endeavour or problem in a fashion that is above pettiness. I can travel the moral high ground. I can behave decently. It may be an uphill climb. It may be tiring. It always has a treasure at the top. 

It taking the high road easy? No.
Is taking the high road doable? Maybe
Is taking the high road a choice? Yes.


SUSAN HARRIS, author of nine books, is pulled back by Grace as she navigates the high road.  https://www.facebook.com/SusanHarrisAuthor/

4 comments:

David Kitz said...

High thoughts to live by, Susan. Thank you.

Peter Black said...

Inspiring insights, Susan. Thank you. It's so true - our "high" and "holy calling" (draws our hearts upward and sets our spiritual feet onto the 'high road.' ~~+~~

Glynis said...

So, maybe, if we take the high road then we are assured of by-passing the flooding and the overwhelming nonsense often found on the low road.

It's not so easy taking the moral high road these days when everything screams tolerance and acceptance - and we wink at sin.

Good thoughts and encouragement, Susan. Thanks.

Susan Harris said...

Thanks David, Peter and Glynis. God bless you richly.

Popular Posts