High road, here we come!
I’m sure we have all encountered adversity. We’ve been on the receiving end of condemnation, judgment, meddling, or plain old mean actions or words. How did you react? More importantly, how did you want to react?
Have you ever been petty? Ever wanted to be, but stop yourself in time? Good! Here are two common definitions of what petty is. The urban dictionary defines petty as:
- A person who is purposefully childish with the intent of eliciting a reaction (sometimes funny).
- An immature overreaction in retaliation of an undesired outcome.
Upon observation of social media and conversations around me, I realize that pettiness has become “a thing.” You see the meme’s, the statuses, and the deliberate action of reacting in this way. Is it satisfying? Yes! Is it right? You know the answer to that. As Christians, it is very true that the world is watching. It is also true that the way we react to circumstances and hardship should look different from the rest of the world (James 1:2-4). Living day to day, it is inevitable that you will encounter problems with another person, no matter who it is. How you handle it, speaks volumes. Integrity is the way to go, no question. We take the high road.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Integrity as “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility.” According to blueletterbible.org, integrity is described as sincerity of heart and intention, truthfulness, uprightness.
How do you go high in a world that is fallen? Well, this is my present journey. Fifteen months ago, the birth of my son catapulted me into a journey of self-discovery, unconditional self-love, and a lot of sleepless nights. I think this emotional roller coaster caused me to lose sight of my peace. In the midst of “suggestions”, inappropriate questions, and inadvertent mom-shaming, I grew tired and lost patience with those around me. Therefore, my responses (or even thoughts) did not reflect who I was. Don’t get me wrong, we have an incredible support system, near and far. There were times though, that I wanted to “just be.” As life settled into a comfortable pace, I began to reflect on myself and pray that God worked in me. During this endeavor, I realized that no matter what goes on around me. No matter what I am provoked with, I must try my best to act, react, and interact with maturity and Grace.
Taking the High Road
- Who do you belong to?
If you have given your life to God, through His son Jesus, it is of the utmost importance to remember that you are a child of God. This means no weapon formed against you will prevail, Isaiah 54:17. You can relax, let your life speak for itself. You don’t have to feel obligated to explain yourself all the time or feel railroaded. Learn to let God fight your battles.
- What are the truths about you through God’s word?
God created you, and He makes no mistakes. So, therefore, you are made on purpose, for a purpose (Psalm 139). When you know who you are, and you stand in that, it is easier to let the insignificant things fall away.
- Is your response necessary for growth and/or resolution? Why do you feel the need to even give a response?
There will be circumstances where confronting or responding to someone will be necessary for repair of the relationship or gaining clarity/closure. It is important to explore if this is the case before diving headfirst into a verbal sparring match that won’t benefit you in the end. You cannot change people and their priorities, these are things that only God can do. What you can do is control yourself.
- Is it about pride or ego?
There is a difference between trying to save face and genuinely wanting a solution. If you’re trying to take the high road, I recommend leaving pride at the door and taking a knee. Always take your emotions, and your burdens to God first. This will allow space for Him to guide you and give clarity where confusion may reign. When we feel attacked, it is easy to want to set the record straight and defend ourselves. This is not always the best course of action though, so be prayerful and self-aware.
- Who are you fighting?
Remember who your enemy is, spiritual warfare is real. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Peter 5:8-9. You can never be too careful and observant. God’s word teaches us how to fight. The person may not need to be your focus. Often times we get in our own way and let ourselves be distracted from what we should be doing.
There are times to stand and times to step back and let God stand for you. In a time where the world is glorifying “realness” and “clapping back,” it’s important to use discretion and pick your battles. While you’re worried about the “he said, she said,” the enemy could be slipping in your back door. Stay Focused. God has already overcome the world. So, while your “enduring” this race, rest in His victory.
