Thursday, August 6, 2009

Which Road?

Tired of taking the high road.

I used that phrase the other day with my friends that I have been doing Bible study with. That was a phrase that I used to use often. It seemed like I was always the one who took the high road. Seems like I am still the one who often takes the high road.

What brought up this conversation between us the other day? Well as were finishing studying Mark one of my friends read to us from the notes in her Bible. It said that Mark is a book about His (Jesus) power as well as His servanthood. I loved that. Jesus chose to put on servanthood so that each one of us would have the opportunity to know His Father!! We were more important than Jesus getting His way or not having to do what someone else should have done or being ridiculed. Jesus took the "high road" for me.

Even with all of His power, He put on humility so that I could have eternal life. So that I could have forgiveness of sin. So that I could have peace. So that I could have someone to call to any time I choose. He was not worried about how many times He had to turn the other cheek.

I got to thinking that instead of being frustrated that I always have to take the high road, I should be grateful. Grateful that I even have the desire to "do right". Grateful that I have a God who equips me to do things and act in ways that are completely out of my human power.

If HE who knew no sin would take on sin for ME....how can I not desire the "high road" so that those around me might come to know HIM as well.

Lord, thank you for the paving the way ahead of me. Thank you for your example in your Word. Thank you for walking each step of this road with me. Even when I take the "low road".


18 comments:

Amber Dupree said...

YES! That's right! I often feel 'stepped on' and left with a lump in my throat because I, too, try to take the high road eventhough sometimes I want to lash out and act stupid toward someone else. What a great reminder that I'm doing what Jesus did for me...taking the high road. I won't have that lump next time. I think I'll have a smile instead.

Unknown said...

This reminds me of Phil 2:13, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.

ShEiLa said...

Taking the high road isn't easy. Sometimes you meet people along life's road and they only know the low road and its tempting to get down in the muck... take the easy way... rising above isn't easy... but the end result is what I feel better about.

ToOdLeS.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I am afraid I took the low road once this month already and am still mad at myself about it....
I always love for you to stop by.....

You are a special lady....

Cheri' said...

Just a couple days ago a friend challenged me by saying, "Do you use the devil's methods when people mistreat you? Do you fight back, gossip about them . . . you know what I mean." I had to admit that sometimes I do. Realizing this fact brought me to a place of repentance.

I love your way of putting it -- take the high road! What a great decision!

So glad you posted this! It makes me think of Jesus and focus on Him rather than on myself! Thanks Sheryl!

UL Cards Fan said...

Great post as always.

Love, Linda

Bethany said...

I also have gotten tired of the high road. Resentful even. "Why do I have to be the one to make amends?" or "Why do I have to be the responsible one?" or most often, "Why do I have to keep my emotions in check when everyone else gets to let off some steam?"

So... thank you for the reminder that I bear the "burden" of the high road because Jesus bore the burden of my sin. And that the high road is the honorable one.

Anonymous said...

yep! A grateful heart. That's what it's all about! I know it gets tiring... But a grateful heart is such a beautiful thing!

Laura said...

Ouch.. Great post again. Struggling with issue myself right now but on another level though but thanks for reminding me that my GOD took the high road by his death on the cross for me. He was stepped on, made fun, and all for me. To have eternal life.. I think I just need to get over myself. Ok, enough babbling for me.
I love you girl.

Farmgirl Paints said...

Yep the high road is definitely not the easiest, but He did set the ultimate example. Great post:)

We need to be lights in this world and I guess it doesn't involve the
"low" road.

Paula V said...

Great post. Great revelation and look on taking the high road...how He's given you the desire to "do things and act in ways that are completely out of my human power."

Wonderful thoughts I had never considered. I'll remember to be grateful and not complaining of having to take the high road.

Unknown said...

Beautiful words Sheryl...I always like to follow the motto "lead by example," which is kind of similar to taking the high road - either way, that is exactly what you are doing!

:) T

Unknown said...

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I noticed your sidebar section about your illness. My sister suffers from vertigo, so I just wanted to say I feel for you and how difficult that can be...I'll say an extra prayer for you tonight. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you.

T

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

Hey Sheryl...I SO hear you about "the high road"...it's kind of like "turning the other cheek"...which I also get tired of doing. BUT, like you, I know it's what I am CALLED to do. So out of obedience to God...and love for Him...I continue to do it. And then just vent to people who'll understand!

Anonymous said...

you put it so beautiful! I often feel frustrated that I am always taking the high road as well and thinking, gosh it would be so much easier to not do good things, haha, even though I know for me personally there is no way I could purposely hurt my Father by doing something I know was wrong. Honestly though it never occurred to me how Jesus always, always took the high road. I have no idea why it didn't occur but I guess I never thought of it in that way before!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Well said, Sheryl. Reminds of Galations 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due seaon we shall reap, if we do not lose heart." I am SO often tempted to "grow weary," and quit. And have. And do. But I pick up again when I remember and your words breathed fresh life into that yet again today. Thank you. :)

Amrita said...

God bless you Sheryl

Pam said...

i totally agree... glad I want to take the high road... don't really want to take the low road... but sure do wish SOMEONE ELSE would decide he wants to take the high road for once too!!!!!!! :) praying for you sister! & i lost your e-mail address in the computer mess i had...