Today I walked around a lake in the morning and alongside a river later in the day. The surfaces of the lake and the river were both covered by ice and snow. It made for beautiful scenery, especially at sunrise. But the beauty covered up the great danger. It hasn’t been cold enough for a long enough period to make the ice thick and hard. Anyone who would venture onto these bodies of water would soon be swimming for their lives.
Sometimes we face dangers that are obvious and we try to avoid them. Other times we don’t see the danger before us and suffer the consequences. And still other times we see the danger and press forward, thinking we will overcome the risks.
There is one danger that we should never ignore and press forward to try and overcome. That danger is unrighteousness. When we are confronted with something we know is wrong, we should never continue going toward it. If we go on that path, we will suffer. Proverbs 27:12 says, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” When confronted with unrighteousness, we should ask God for the strength to do the right thing instead.
Psalm 1:1-2 gives us the progression of unrighteousness and the way to walk in righteousness. It says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” The progression of unrighteousness begins with walking according to the ways of wickedness. It then progresses to standing with sinners. Finally unrighteousness has us sitting with those who mock righteousness. We must delight in God and His Word in order to stay on the righteous path. Meditating on His Word sharpens our attention to His ways.
Every day we choose which path we shall follow. Will we ignore the dangers of unrighteousness and walk in the ways of sinners? Or will we stay firmly grounded in God’s Word and seek righteousness?
Reluctant Retiree 