Editorial — Stumbling Along

Because everything that can be shaken will be shaken, many today are discouraged. They see nothing but the darkness of confusion and dissension that the devil has cast in their pathway, and have all but given up hope of seeing the perfect unity Christ spoke of. They are stumbling along in uncertainty, and darkness, when they could be rejoicing in the light. (This perfect unity will not occur as a result of compromise or going back into apostasy, but only among those who reach character perfection. It is because God’s people are a long way from character perfection, that we do not see unity yet. Much more knee work and striving to overcome are necessary first. “Perfection of character means perfection in unity.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 11,179.

These are the steps we should take to walk in the light of love and rejoicing:

  1. Decide to keep all the commandments. “The law of God is a complete standard of righteousness. Man has not in himself sufficient wisdom to frame a perfect rule of right, and therefore God has given His law as a safe guide. Man is not left to his own fallacious reasoning in regard to his course of action toward his fellow men or his service to God. He is not left to stumble along, following the imagination of his own heart and mind. God calls the attention of men to a comprehensible rule of action, commandments that have God for their Author, the law pronounced by inspiration holy, just, and good. The service that God expects of His servants is not left to question and doubt. Will man love God supremely, and his neighbor as himself?” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, 112.
  2. Live up to all the light of truth that you have now. “Nathanael was walking in the light as far as he had received it, and God did not permit him to stumble along in ignorance and blindness.” Signs of the Times, March 24, 1898.
  3. Pray with persevering faith when you are in trouble. “I have been persons in trouble, who, instead of looking to Jesus, kept looking at their trouble, kept talking of their discouragements, and kept dwelling upon their trials . . .When we are in trial and sadness, we must look to Jesus. We must take our sorrow to the Lord in prayer.” Signs of the Times, January 19, 1891.
  4. Praise the Lord. “Oh, if we would by faith draw nigh to God, He would reveal to us His glory, which is His character, and the praise of God would flow forth from humans hearts and be sounded by human voices. Then we would forever cease to give glory to Satan by sinning against God and talking doubt and unbelief. We should no longer stumble along, grumbling and mourning.” Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1097.

As God gives us light, we should make use of it; God will not give us a second ray while the first is not appreciated. We must praise the Lord for the light already graciously given, and reflect it upon those around us. Then more light will shine upon us. (See Review and Herald, October 11, 1892.)

  1. Study your Bible and strive to overcome. “Let us study the Word, and as we have opportunity, talk Bible truth. As you do this, you will find that your own mind and heart are becoming subdued. As you strive to overcome everything that is displeasing to God, angels of heaven will help you…You will not be left to stumble along in uncertainty.” Youth’s Instructor, June 9, 1914.
  2. Rejoice in faith. “The Christian always has a strong helper in the Lord. The way of the Lord’s helping we may not know; but this we do know: He will never fail those who put their trust in Him. Could Christians realize how many times the Lord has ordered their way, that the purposes of the enemy concerning them might not be accomplished, they would not stumble along complainingly. Their faith wold be stayed on God, and no trial would have power to move them.” Prophets and Kings, 576.

“The children of God may rejoice in all things, and at all times. When troubles and difficulties come, believing in the wise providence of God, you may rejoice.” Review and Herald, February 11, 1890.

  1. Give a steady signal. “The tiniest lamp, kept replenished with the golden oil, and sending forth its bright beams to dispel the darkness, is of far more value than the large lamp which flashes with brilliancy for a time, then sputters and goes out, leaving souls in darkness to stumble along as best they can. It is the golden oil, emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted into the golden bowl, that creates a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that keeps him a bright and shining light for God. Then he can communicate the light of truth to all who are in the darkness of error and sin.” Review and Herald, September 21, 1897.