What characteristics of Balaam should Christians avoid in their spiritual walk? The Warning in 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 reward of wickedness.” Peter uses Balaam as a timeless caution. The prophet once spoke God’s words, yet his heart drifted. The Lord preserved the account so believers would spot the same danger signs in themselves and turn back before damage is done. Who Was Balaam? — A Snapshot from Numbers 22–24, 31 • A Gentile diviner hired by Moab’s king to curse Israel. • Received direct words from God, even prophesied Christ (Numbers 24:17). • Repeatedly tried to satisfy both God and his pagan employer. • Ultimately advised Moab to seduce Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). • Died among Israel’s enemies. Characteristics to Avoid 1. • Love of Money over Love of God – Balaam “loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15). – Compare 1 Timothy 6:10—greed pierces the soul with many griefs. – When ministry, career, or service becomes a means to personal gain, Balaam’s spirit is near. 2. • Double-Mindedness – Balaam spoke, “I must speak only what the LORD puts in my mouth” (Numbers 22:38), yet schemed for personal profit. – James 1:8 warns that a double-minded person is unstable in all ways. – God desires wholehearted devotion (Deuteronomy 6:5). 3. • Spiritual Compromise – Unable to curse Israel, Balaam counseled Moab to entice them sexually and spiritually (Numbers 31:16). – 1 Corinthians 10:8 recalls 23,000 Israelites falling in one day because of that compromise. – Tolerating “small” sin plants seeds for catastrophic harvests. 4. • Manipulating Spiritual Gifts – Balaam possessed genuine prophetic gifting yet tried to bend it toward selfish ends. – Romans 11:29 notes gifts and calling are irrevocable, but Ezekiel 14:10 shows prophets who mislead will bear their guilt. – Gifts are to glorify Christ, never ourselves. 5. • Ignoring Repeated Warnings – God blocked Balaam’s path three times through an angel, even making his donkey speak (Numbers 22:22-35). – Proverbs 29:1: “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” – Sensitivity to conviction keeps hearts soft and responsive. The Cost of Walking Balaam’s Road • Personal destruction (Numbers 31:8). • Corporate fallout—Israel’s plague (Numbers 25:9). • Lost legacy—remembered only as a bad example (Jude 11; Revelation 2:14). Choosing the Better Path • Cultivate contentment and generosity (Hebrews 13:5). • Seek a pure, undivided heart (Psalm 86:11). • Submit gifts to the Spirit’s control (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Respond quickly to God’s corrections (Hebrews 3:15). • Walk in holiness, refusing even attractive compromises (2 Corinthians 7:1). Steering clear of Balaam’s traits protects our witness, preserves our joy, and honors the Lord who bought us. |
    |