Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

I asked with all honesty of my friends, “What would you like to have people say about you?” It was an honest question. I only got one reply. That really got me to thinking about the question itself.

Proverbs 22:1 22 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

We don’t really get to choose what other people think about us. People will never think about me what I would like to have them think. No matter what I do, people’s perceptions are not within my control. One might say I am wise and another might say I am smug. One might say I am perceptive, another might call me judgmental. I can be innovative and vain within the same setting.

Do I concern myself with what people say about me? Not really, but I do care about the image I project. I had a thought in my mind when I asked the question. Some might say of me, “He only asks so he can show off.” In their minds that might be a fair thought, I cannot control that. I know what was on my mind and honestly, it isn’t within your control to make it true.

“Jesus knows him.”

That’s what I’d like people to say about me. The reason is simple and is contained within the thought patterns of Philippians 2, to the glory of God the Father. The reasoning is simple. You cannot say a thing like that about me without a personal relationship with Jesus yourself. That’s the only thing that really matters.

I don’t know you are the most painful of all words.

Numbers 23:1 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.

Now yesterday I mentioned that Balaam did not curse Israel. He was hired by Balak to curse Israel but Balaam remained good at his word, that he said nothing except as the Lord had revealed. This he did. Learned scholars have had many negative things to say about Balaam’s character, but none of them actually stated what it was that Balaam did wrong. They only labeled Balaam.

Examining Balaam’s behavior I see a few things that should be considered. First, Balaam was not a Jew. The issue of building alters and offering up sacrifices could be seen as a copycat sacrifice, even a pagan offering if you would like, but not to a pagan god. The issue for me is not in who made sacrifice or what they sacrifice or even where they sacrifice.

The sacrifices where not a sacrifice of worship. All the sacrifices prescribed within scriptures were given of God with purpose and were solemn in design and execution. They were given as a form of worship. Here Balak and Balaam made sacrifices unto God to solicit a favorable answer to Balak’s request. It could be seen as a bribe or worse tempting God.

It is not in doubt that God spoke to Balaam. Balaam’s reputation of one who could bless and curse might very well have been in connection with his talent for hearing God. But I do not see Balaam’s action or behavior to be so profound so as to be compared to Judas in betrayal. But I do see something in the New Testament that I feel comfortable comparing it with.

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Like Balaam, they were not family.