Moral High Ground: Quicksand

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12

The debate over civil rights and patriotism continues to divide those who call themselves Christians. It seems both want to claim Christ as King of their camp, and the other camp is the enemy of the kingdom. The problem with both claims is the self-glorification they pursue. God will share His glory with no one. The moral high ground is neither, high or moral. It is sinking sand. Jesus describes the man who would build his house on religion, reason, rationale and being right as someone sure to see his house collapse.

Luke 6:49 But he who hears, and doesn’t do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Just what is it that we are supposed to hear and do to keep our house firmly grounded? Do we assume a certain political posture? Do we support the right causes? Do we give our money away, or allow our bodies to be burned? What is it that God requires of us to avoid the seemingly moral high ground which is only quicksand?

The prophet Micah was faced with this very question thousands of years ago.

Micah Chapter 6:7-8 wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

The moral high ground is face down before an Almighty God asking Him for the ability to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly. Otherwise, we are in danger of sinking in quicksand.