DEVOTIONAL INSIGHTS & REFLECTIONS

GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE

         This is a phrase, idiom that originated in days gone by, but is still used and relevant today.

In medieval England, a person's rank was reflected by the size of the horse he rode. A noble or a person of importance would ride a large and expensive horse, one much taller and bigger than the horses ridden by commoners. The phrase “on one's high horse” came to mean “superior.”Are you riding a high horse? (See Quora.com.)

Haughtiness is the appearance or quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful; prideful; boastful. (online dictionary)

High-Minded here is arrogant; haughty

         What does God say about this kind of behavior?

1 Timothy 3:1-5: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
         For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
         Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
         Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
         Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

         I believe haughty, high-minded behavior (riding a high horse) is often merely a cloak for feelings of inferiority---an attempt to elevate one’s self in the eyes of friends, co-workers, family, acquaintances. But regardless of what motivates us, it’s the same arrogant behavior, having the same negative affect... shutting down communication and causing others to second guess spending time with us and/or sharing with us.

         Let’s consider the motives behind our behavior today; and ask the Lord to heal the broken places in our hearts and to change us.