Numbers 24: Nothing of My Own Will

"Balaam answered Balak, 'Didn't I previously tell the messengers you sent me: If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the Lord's command, to do anything good or bad of my own will?  I will say whatever the Lord says.'"

Numbers 24: 12-13

Balak continues to press Balaam into cursing the Israelites, but the oracle blesses Israel a third time.  When Balak becomes Irate, Balaam reminds him of what he has been saying all along: he serves the Lord.  Interestingly, he mentions that he can't do anything at all (not even good things) without being given specific direction from God.

God does not call any one person to fix all the world's problems.  He knows better.  He understands how so many of us can have great intentions, but our actions become more harmful than we anticipate because we're not the right person for the job.

Take welfare for example.  The government may have the best intentions when they give my tax dollars to the needy, but in doing so they undermine the church, individual philanthropists, and other organizations who give to and take care of the poor and homeless.  The welfare state also teach citizens to be dependent on the government for every need, which undercuts our personal responsibilities and the joy that comes from being self-sufficient.  It drives our political debates away from the important topics of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  It drives our tax rates through the roof, taking away the individual's ability to give as he/she sees fit.

Question of the Day:

Have you ever done something with good intentions and had it backfire?  Have you ever thought you were doing something good, but it turned out making things worse?  How can you avoid this in the future?  By doing only those things which God calls you to do, and no more - not good or bad.

Prayer of the Day:

Help me to understand Your voice, and Your calling for my life, so that I may do less harm and more good.  Show me when I should act and when I should remain still.  Give me the wisdom to know what all the outcomes of my actions will be before I commit to them, and prevent me from acting in any way that You haven't prepared for me.  Amen.