Do not turn to the left or to the right, but press on towards the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Which is this:- to love our neighbour as ourself. Which fulfils ALL the law. For ALL the law is fulfilled in one word. Even in this. “”You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians‬ ‭5:14-15‬).

     This is a word that cuts straight to the chase. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

     Clearly then, in this passage in Galatians, God has painted a “high road” and a “low road”. The second part of this exhortation describes the “low road”. For all those who do not wish to turn to the left or to the right, but to press on steadfastly towards the goal of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ, which is to press on towards the heart and the essence of love both lived and walked out in our lives, the “low road” is the road we are not too take, no matter how determined those who seek to draw us into biting and devouring one another appear to be and are.

     The “low road” is where those God is still working to reach will often come from and operate out of. Which is where we all came from before God could reach us, for only God can give us a new heart and put within us a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). And now that God has reached us and shown us another way, a better way (Psalm 86:11), a “high toad”, our choice is do we operate out of the first part (high road) or the second part (low road)? And to help us make that choice, God tells us this. “Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.” (Romans 12:18). “God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!” (Matthew 5:9). “You must turn away from evil and do good; you must strive for peace with all your heart.” (1 Peter 3:11). “And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).

     “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27).

     “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21).

     “Ye shall observe to do therefore as Jehovah your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (Deuteronomy 5:32).

     I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14).