Bob Nuber
May 13, 2015
When I went through Army officer basic training one of the first things we learned in military strategy and tactics class was to take the high ground. From the high ground enemy movements can be better observed, better planned for, better controlled and our battle plan better implemented. That is not nearly as possible from the valleys, the low ground.
At the May 20th C3 breakfast the first annual Ralph Palmen High Ground award will be presented. The award is intended to recognize a person or an organization that has ascended one of the High Grounds of culture (Family, Education, Religion, Business, Media, Arts & Entertainment, Government) bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to that strategic position. The purpose of the award is to encourage C3 and other believing leaders to use their gifts of leadership and influence for His purposes at home and in the marketplace.
So, what does it mean to “take the High Ground”? One way to define it is by a negative: don’t give up the high ground of culture to those who don’t honor the Word of God either intentionally or unintentionally. Another way is to be inspired by scripture like Matthew 5:14-16 where Jesus tells us “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl…Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
By working to occupy the high ground we are not attempting to remove non-believers currently on the high ground from their positions. With Him being on the high ground people are given choices of how to lead their business and personal lives. I’m sure you will agree that Jesus and His values will provide a bright light of truth and hope in areas where there is either none or just a few dim lights.
Many of us at C3 are business leaders. As such we like good returns on our investment of resources. Doing the work God has given us to do will, I’m sure, realize higher returns if we carry out our assignments from the high ground. I encourage you to give some thought and prayer about how you’ve been gifted as a leader and how you are currently using or how you can more effectively use your gifts to help shine the light of Jesus from one of the high grounds of our culture.