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 the title of this blog does not refer to the path
described by geographic elevation.
The phrase “take the high road” is ascribed to
American origin, and means “to approach an
endeavor 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 has
to consciously choose not to make a defense of himself, and this noble act
itself can become 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).
Father God identifies the high road, His Way, and
this road 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. Biting our tongues, filtering our responses is
the fruit of taking the high road.
The conclusion-
· There is a higher way.
· That way is perfect.
· We are asked to walk in that way.
I can approach an
endeavor 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.
I choose to take the high road. How about you?
I choose to take the high road. How about you?
SUSAN HARRIS, author of 12 books, is often
tempted to step off the high road but is pulled back by Grace as she navigates her terrain. https://www.facebook.com/SusanHarrisAuthor/
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4 comments:
Two thumbs up, Susan! No it's not always easy, maybe seldom is, but oh the freedom ones feels when the decision is made to take that high road! Thanks for reminding us again and making it clear.
Susan, in concert with Ruth I thank you for your reminding of this important principle and of choosing that higher path in life. It's the path that Jesus took, who "committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. . . ." (1 Peter 2:22-23a). ~~+~~
Ruth and Peter, thank you for reading and providing such encouragement. I constantly have to remind myself to take the high road because my carnal nature strives to dominate. Oh to be like Jesus as Peter reminded.
So true, Susan. Thanks for the reminder.
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