The Problem with Selfie Mode

Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” Numbers 22:28-29 ESV

If you’ve ever watched the British sitcom, “Keeping Up Appearances,” you might remember that Hyacinth Bucket (“Pronounced ‘Bouquet’”) lives to impress her neighbors, the vicar, and anyone within her circle of acquaintances. This desire to impress gives rise to humorous and awkward situations.

Balaam wasn’t much different. When his donkey kept turning aside and wouldn’t respond to its master’s rod, Balaam grew angry. Little did he know that an angel stood in his way. In effect, the donkey understood more than its own master! Balaam seemed to feel more concern about what King Balak’s retinue would think of him than his donkey’s sudden verbosity. Verse 29 seems to offer some insight into Balaam’s response: “Because you have made a fool of me.”

Oh how pride can blind us to the presence of God and His divine purpose in our lives! We get so preoccupied with our personal mission and accomplishments that we stop listening to those who are closest to us. We buck against God and tune out any godly counsel He sends our way, all because we are determined to push forward in the direction we want to go.

God eventually opened the eyes of Balaam so he too could see the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand. As a result, Balaam bowed down and fell on his face, confessing his sin and personal blindness. How thankful I am for God’s patience! In His grace, He did not strike Balaam dead but allowed him to go on with a word of caution to speak only the words that He gave him. Grace upon grace – God bearing with us, patiently, lovingly, until we surrender to His purpose and plan.

Prayer: Lord, strip me of all pride. May I never become so preoccupied with self that I fail to see you or sense your presence. Thank you for your steadfast love, patience, and grace in every season of my life. Amen.

Thought: Pride is like a camera stuck in selfie mode. We become blind to everything else.