How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Balaam's actions? The danger of Balaam’s double-mindedness Balaam already knew God’s answer: “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). Yet he stalled: “Now therefore, please stay here tonight, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me” (Numbers 22:19). • Knowing truth is not the same as obeying it. • “Checking again” when we dislike God’s answer is usually manipulation. • Desire for gain can masquerade as spirituality (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). Steps to align our decisions with God’s will • Let Scripture set the boundaries—“Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). • Seek Him first, not after plans are made (Psalm 5:3). • Surrender every facet—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Invite godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22). • Check motives—“You ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3). Submitting our plans at the moment of choice • Put the plan before God, then write “Not my will, but Yours” (Luke 22:42). • “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). • Wait for the peace of Christ to rule (Colossians 3:15). Daily safeguards for a steady heart • Fast to quiet competing appetites. • Memorize verses targeting regular temptations (Psalm 119:11). • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Serve others; generosity suffocates greed. New-covenant encouragement • Pray as Jesus taught: “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10). • Present yourself as a living sacrifice and be transformed to “prove… the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). • Walk by the Spirit and you “will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16), avoiding Balaam’s tragic detour. |
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