the things of this world~Numbers 31

The Israelites went to war against the Midianites. "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the Lord of Midian." Numbers 31:1–3

I used to be confused why God would send the children of Israel to war all the time. That was because I didn't study the scriptures for answers but just read through them. The Lord was angry with the Midianites, specifically Balaam, for enticing the Israelites to sin. "And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel." Numbers 25:1–3 "Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord." Numbers 31:16

Yesterday we learned that Balaam obeyed the God in appearances or the letter of His law to bless rather than curse Israel. He was actually a man of idols, and his greatest desire was earthly honors and rewards. He played both sides of the coin. To God's face, he appeared to serve Israel by giving a blessing. To the king of the Midianites, he also appeared to be a faithful servant, when he revealed the catch in the blessing so as to receive rewards. Balaam sabbotaged Isreal's blessing, when he suggested luring Israel into sin. He knew this sin would cause them to lose God’s protection.

As with all double crossers, Balaam got his reward. But it was not the reward he hoped. During the Israelites’ battle with the Midianites, he was killed with the rest of them. "And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword." Numbers 31:8

In the New Testament we are warned severely not to follow Balaam's evil ways. 2 Peter 2:15–16; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14 Again, we must chose to follow Israel's God, or we will follow the god of worldly idols in all there many forms, who is none other than Satan.

“What a story this is! Here is a prophet of God who is firmly committed to declare only what the Lord of heaven directs. There does not seem to be the slightest doubt in his mind about the course he should pursue. He represents the Lord, and neither a house full of gold and silver nor high honors offered by the king can sway him from his determined course...But greed for wealth and lust for honor beckon him. How marvelous it would be [for him] to be rich and powerful...Perhaps the Lord would let him compromise his standards and have some worldly prosperity and power...I wonder how often some of us get our direction from the Church and then, Balaam-like, plead for some worldly rewards...Balaam, … inspired and mighty as he once was, lost his soul in the end because he set his heart on the things of this world rather than the riches of eternity” (Bruce R. McConkie, New Era, Apr. 1972, 7).

Although Balaam APPEARED to be obedient, his real desire was earthly rewards and honors. If Balaam had really been what he appeared to be, a humble servant of God, a great deal of sin and suffering would have been avoided. If we choose to learn from Balaam's terrible mistakes, we can understand the importance of keeping the desires of our hearts pure. We can only keep the desires of our hearts pure if we continually read the Word of God and keep a prayer in our hearts at all times, and in all things, and in all places. Let us be steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God rather than stubborn, selfish, and sinful. Let us seek to follow the Lord’s will without trying to get around it or change it.