I have been deeply troubled the past few days about a friend who exclaimed in frustration that she could no longer “take the high road” in life. Although I have thought this myself many of times it hurt my soul to hear someone else say it out loud. I hurriedly tried to explain to her that it is important to choose the moral path, but I couldn’t come up a tangible benefit other than “being like Jesus.” Afterall, if we are living by the doctrine that all sinners who identify Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior go to Heaven regardless of their actions, then that does not leave much motivation for self-improvement.
When googling, “What does the bible say about taking the high road?” I was directed to Romans Chapter 12: Mutual Love.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Rather, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” Romans 17-21
Well, I think St. Paul just gave us a mouthful there!
So apparently social justice goes along with our #1 lesson this Lent, surrender it to Jesus, let God take care of it.
If you are like me then as you read those words you were left with a fearful wonder. How will this vengeance take place? And… do I want to find out? Nope! Better stick to the other side of that one!
My takeaway from these words is that God does not want us “getting our hands dirty” so to say. It is His job to create justice, it is our job to “mind our business” while living His word.
If you want a simpler answer to all of this, you can always go with Sir Ian McKellen.
“The only thing you can do about awful people is not be one of them.”