What other scriptures emphasize the importance of following God's will over desires? A Moment of Clarity in Balaam’s Story “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, great or small, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.” (Numbers 22:18) Balaam’s words spotlight the timeless struggle between personal gain and unwavering obedience. Scripture repeatedly returns to this theme, urging God’s people to prize His will above every competing desire. Echoes of Obedience in the Old Testament • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attention than the fat of rams.” • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — “What does the LORD your God ask of you but to … keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD … for your own good?” • Psalm 40:8 — “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart … in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 — “My thoughts are not your thoughts … My ways are higher than your ways.” These passages underline that obedience is not a burden but the pathway to God’s best. Jesus Models Complete Submission • John 4:34 — “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” • John 5:30 — “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” • Matthew 26:39 — “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Christ’s perfect obedience—both in daily ministry and in Gethsemane—sets the definitive example for every believer. New Testament Calls to Choose Spirit over Flesh • Romans 12:1-2 — Offer your bodies “as living sacrifices … then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Galatians 5:16-17 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • James 4:13-15 — “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” • 1 John 2:17 — “The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” These verses draw a sharp contrast between fleeting cravings and lasting obedience. Putting Desire in Its Place • Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Colossians 3:1-3 — “Set your hearts on the things above … not on earthly things.” Aligning priorities with God’s kingdom frees us from bondage to lesser ambitions. Living It Out Today • Remember Balaam’s resolve when temptation offers “silver and gold.” • Measure every decision by clear biblical commands rather than personal preference. • Look to Christ’s example; His submission purchased our salvation and shows the way forward. • Depend on the Spirit’s power to overcome fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16). • Anchor hope in the eternal reward promised to those who do the will of God (1 John 2:17). From Balaam to the apostles, Scripture speaks with one voice: God’s will is supreme, His commands are good, and obedience leads to life that truly satisfies. |
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