2 Peter 2:15
“They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.”
The story is told of a young man who had a fervent desire to serve the Lord. For a time he was completely committed to obey God’s Word without compromise. As frequently happens, he was confronted with a questionable activity. He decided to do the right thing and pray about it.
As he brought the activity before the Lord and ask if he might do it, he heard the Holy Spirit shout; NO! He waited several days and asked the Lord again. He heard the Holy Spirit speak; No! He waited a few more days and again prayed. He heard the Holy Spirit whisper; No! A few days later when he asked the same question he heard nothing, so he joyfully engaged in an activity that led him away from the Lord and into great heartache.
Can you relate to that? It was not that the Holy Spirit stopped speaking or relented, it was that our heart can become hardened and callous so that we can no longer hear. Perhaps we even begin to convince ourselves that the Lord is pleased with what we are doing.
Mark this down—God does not change! If He says that something is contrary to His Word, will and way—it will remain contrary to His Word, will and way. It does not matter that some church council will approve sinful activity—if it is not in accordance with God’s Word, it is sin and will always be sin.
This do-as-you-feel-like-doing society has torpedoed far too many believers. We must never allow the appeal of this world’s values to draw us away from God’s best for our life. Balaam compromised God’s direction and instead chose the paltry riches of this world. He could have had so much more eternal wealth if he had obeyed God! That applies to all of us.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil