THE HIGHER ROAD IS THE ROAD JESUS ALWAYS WALKED
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“We can walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will, waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as He can get us able to take it in.” – George MacDonald –
When we reach a fork in the road, we wonder… which way should we go? We may consider the options, think them through rationally, and choose the most logical direction to head. Yet the Bible calls us to take a different approach.
We daily are faced with choices in our lives. Like forks in the road, often there are only two clear choices. As followers of Christ, we are called to take the higher road… the upright, righteous way… whether or not we wish to pursue it. It may not be the road most traveled… perhaps not the safest route… and rarely the easiest. Yet it is the road that Jesus walked. And it is to be our path as well.
“By this we know that we are in Him: Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” – 1 John 2:5-6
⇒ Climbing the higher road is often an uphill and difficult trek. Jesus never chose the path of least resistance. He walked counter to the ways of the world. Ours may be a rugged and arduous path as we live out heavenly values in a worldly culture. Yet in Christ we are mighty and brave.
⇒ The higher road can become craggy and steep in parts. Jesus was not afraid to face challenges. The path before us may appear precipitous as our faith is challenged. Yet our footing remains secure as we stand for the truth of the gospel.
⇒ The enemy can pelt the higher road with snow and ice. Jesus resisted the attacks of the enemy. As the road we walk becomes slippery, we resist the temptation to quit. We stand strong in our faith and hold fast to our Defender.
⇒ The climb up the higher road can take a toll on our energy. Jesus persevered despite the overwhelming demands of His ministry. We keep our eyes on the Lord, following His footprints in front of us. We continue to climb toward the peak and carry on despite the hardships.
⇒ It can get lonely on the higher road. Jesus always maintained fellowship with the Father. He knew He was walking in the will of God. We may not see many others walking in obedience to the truth. We may face ridicule and opposition to our choice of following Christ. Yet He walks by our side. He is our loyal companion, confidant and friend.
⇒ As we trek the higher road, we will face obstacles. Jesus had an enduring faith that overcame all adversities. Our faith may falter while climbing. Yet we know Jesus is our lifeline. He will not let us stumble or fall. He will be our Guide and our Protector. In Him, we have courageous faith.
⇒ The uphill trek may appear too rigorous to continue. Jesus was not deterred from His path for He knew the joy set before Him. The higher road will reach the peak… with sunshine and panoramic vistas. We will find joy and bring glory to God as we follow in His path.
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'” – Isaiah 41:13
Daily we face forks in the road before us. Our choices may not always be clearcut. Yet the higher road is the noble, gracious, Christlike way. When we listen to the counsel of the Holy Spirit, we will discern the best path that lies before us. The higher road is the way our Lord always walked. By faith, we follow in the way of Jesus.
