Walking the Higher Path: Embracing Humility in Everyday Life

For as long as I can remember, one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is choosing to take the higher road. I saw my mom live this out, and I heard it from my spiritual directors too. It means choosing humility, even when you know you’re right, and not feeling the need to prove others wrong.

Life, as my spiritual director often says, is about growing as a person by following Jesus’ example—choosing the humble path. And honestly, that’s not easy. It’s hard to react with humility when everything inside you wants to fight back.

But here’s the deeper truth: When we respond with humility, something powerful happens. We start living in a way that reflects God, and it helps us grow as people while also overcoming what’s not of God.

Take the story from the Gospel where Jesus is asked to pay the temple tax. As the Son of God, Jesus didn’t have to pay, and Peter knew this. But instead of refusing, Jesus chose to pay the tax to avoid causing offense. He chose the humble path.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are times when we need to stand up against injustice—you know that as well as I do. But there are also times when, like Jesus, we’re called to take the smaller, humble way. This isn’t about being weak; it’s about embracing humility.

I’ve seen this in my own life, especially with my mom. There were moments when she knew someone was wrong, and I knew it too. I’d think, “Mom, speak up! Defend yourself!” But she would just say, “It’s okay. God tells me to be quiet.”

For anyone who faces daily challenges, whether in work, life, or anything else, you know how tough it can be. But looking at Jesus’ example, we’re reminded that sometimes, the real victory comes through humility. Jesus was right, but He submitted.

Why? Because humility keeps our egos, pride, and arrogance in check. It heals us. When we humble ourselves like Jesus did, we find a strength that’s greater than any argument we could win.

In the end, taking the higher road isn’t about letting others walk all over you. It’s about becoming the person God wants you to be—someone who, like Jesus, chooses humility, even when it’s the hardest thing to do.