Bad Name

The only thing worse than bad health is a bad name ~ Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I remember growing up in a well-knit neighborhood where the elderly were allowed to correct and advise every young person irrespective. I remember in particular how all the parents in our estate unanimously warned all their children against one single boy whose name was always associated with evil. Such was the case with Balaam. This man was bad news! His name in the scripture always brings a bad taste to the reader's mouth. 

From Balaam's story in Numbers 22-24, we're taught in various places in the scripture to avoid: 

a. The error of Balaam Jude 1:11  Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. Balaam epitomized the sin of greed. The error of Balaam was that being a pagan prophet and an enemy of God, he believed that he could profit from doing the work of God (Numbers 31:16). Similar to Balaam, the ungodly teachers in Jude's time appeared to be religious. They sought to mix in with the people of God, and were even accepted by the believers. However, their true motive was greed. Sounds familiar?

b. The way of Balaam 2 Peter 2:15  They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; The way of Balaam was perversion that led to an adamant attitude (Numbers 22:32). He was bent on going against God's will and no one could stop him, not even a talking donkey.

c. The doctrine of Balaam Revelation 2:14  "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.  The doctrine of Balaam is the doctrine of mixture. He counselled the Moabites to give their most beautiful young women to the Israelites that they may be enticed by them to commit idolatry. He advocated for the worship of the one true God alongside other false gods. 

This man Balaam left a lasting negative legacy that was and still is condemned to date. How I pray that the error, the way and the doctrine of Balaam would not be practiced in our lives.  I pray that unlike Balaam, we'll be diligent, honest and faithful Christians.