Lesson 27: The Idolatry of People-Pleasing

“So now run away to your place. I said I would give you much honor, but the Lord has kept you from honor.”
Numbers 24:11

A story in the Bible's book of Numbers shows how dangerous the desire to “please men” can be (see also Colossians 3:22). This story is mentioned a lot in the Bible. Each mention comes with a warning. God wants us to take note, so what can this story teach us about ourselves?

1. It is dangerous to look for God’s permission without his approval. Fearing Israel, King Balak sent for the prophet Balaam. God told Balaam not to go. King Balak persisted, so Balaam asked God again. God seemed persuaded: He gave Balaam permission to go. On his journey, the donkey he was riding was blocked by an angel with a drawn sword. The donkey refused to keep going, angering Balaam so much that he beat the animal. Before he could kill her, God allowed the donkey to speak, warning him of the danger. God then opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel standing ready to kill him! Just as the donkey’s actions went against Balaam’s plan for her, Balaam himself had nearly been killed for resisting God. But Balaam presses again and finds the permission, but not the approval, of God.

2. There is danger in going around God’s purposes. Accompanying the messengers to Midian, Balaam at first blesses Israel instead of cursing them. God had warned him to do only as he was told (Numbers 22:20). Balak is furious. Terrified by Balak, Balaam cunningly thought of a way to curse the Israelites without speaking the curse himself, still a violation of God's instructions. In Numbers 31:16, we read that Balaam encouraged the Midianite women to seduce the Israelite men into idolatry, as God had warned them not to do (Numbers 25:1-3).


3. Disobedience can bring the fear of man. Balaam’s conduct shows how a believer's walk can be perverted through temptation:
The “way of Balaam” (2 Peter 2:15) “against” God, (Numbers 22:32): Balaam did not fear taking God's mercy for granted if he thought it was to his advantage. In his heart he said, “God has said ‘no’ to this--maybe there is another way I can do it anyway.”
The “error of Balaam” (Jude 11): Failing to learn the lesson of the encounter. Balaam was physically stopped and even threatened.
The “doctrine of Balaam” (Revelation 2:14):Passing this attitude along. Balaam was willing to try to spoil the purpose of God.

Presumption leads to the error of trying to get around God’s will. This means we manipulate, teach error or become a bad example, leading others down the same corrupt path. Balaam did not have the Lord as his God. He had idolatry in his life all along” respect of human favor over God’s. How much will God allow if we presume upon His grace? Balaam’s idolatry led him to serve God’s enemies, curse himself (Numbers 23:9) and demonstrate God’s denial of his prayers (Numbers 23:10).

Pray: Father, I surrender myself to you again. I want your way to prevail in my life. Protect me from presumptuous sin.