Borrowed (yes, I have permission to use it) from an anonomyous friend’s away message a little while ago. I think it’s very well put. He’s reflecting on Proverbs 4:18-19.
“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
What He means is that righteous people aren’t perfect; they simply have the desire and the means to be so. God shows them their faults and He is the impetus for working on those faults. He is an unstoppable force, so His work in your life is constantly progressing.
This was really encouraging this morning because I haven’t been feeling like I’ve been doing a good job, but this reminded me that God’s working in me so it’s not like I’m gonna fail.
“But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”
Don’t read too much into the use of the word wicked. The Bible makes a clear distinction in saying that the only permanent sin is not believing. If you don’t believe the Bible is truth, then you shouldn’t have a problem with this. It’s just a simple definition.
Anyway, the Bible says that Jesus is “the Light.” He reveals what we need to do and what is standing in our way of having a fulfilled life. By simple logic, if you don’t have this, then you are lost in darkness, not being able to see what makes you stumble.
This was also encouraging cause lately I’ve been screwing up and have been able to pinpoint the reason. More assurance.
But like I said, you should take this as what the Bible says and your reaction should hinge on that. Personally I believe it’s true and have seen lots of examples that seem to back it up.