Day 144
Numbers 23:3
"And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the Lord will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me, I will tell thee ..."
One important lesson we must learn is that of strict obedience. Balaam said he would report precisely what he was shown. Because we do not understand all God tells us, we can always be tempted to alter the instructions we receive from Him. Sometimes our disobedience can be the result of pride or fear. We can also attempt to adjust what we have heard so it will make sense to us. In whatever way the temptation may come to alter God's Word, we must resist it. If we were following a recipe, assembly instructions, or directions to a particular location, one modification could cause a small problem, or it could mean disaster.
Let us think for a moment about the kind of relationship we would want to have with a person who, from time to time, without notice, alters our instructions. Although we may be merciful and patient, we would not look to give them an assignment of great importance. We would only try to use them on minor projects.
Strict obedience comes through spiritual growth and practice. We must dictate to our flesh and not vice versa. The next time God instructs us, let us remember the words of Mary in John 2:5, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
I will, with God's help, practice and walk in strict obedience to God's instructions. I am obedient.