Contrary Ways

Being contrary means to be opposed to something or someone in character, purpose, or direction. To be contrary to God is to be opposed to His word, will, and way.

This is how God felt about Balaam, a man who was to speak for Him. When King Balak first requested Balaam to curse Israel, Balaam said to the emissaries, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” (Numbers 22:8)

God, however, told Balaam not to go, because He had blessed Israel.

Balak then sent the emissaries back with the promise of more money and honor, and so Balaam went back and asked God once again. God told Balaam to go, but to only speak the words God gives him. Yet God’s anger was aroused against Balaam, so He sent His Angel to kill Balaam, and if Balaam’s donkey had not intervened, Balaam would have died.

The angel told Balaam, “I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me … If she (the donkey) had not turned aside from me, I would surely have killed you just now.” (Numbers 33:32b, 33b)

God wanted to bless Israel, but Balaam was going to curse them, and so his ways were contrary to the word, will, and way of God.

The Bible says we are also contrary to God because there is no one who is righteous, and the wages of our sin is death (Romans 3:10; 6:23).

God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8)

Our ways are contrary when we hear God’s word about the way we are to liv our lives, but then go our own way.

We’re to be spokespeople for God, but if we’re walking contrary to His word, will, and way, then we’re not really speaking for the Lord, and we are not the blessing we’re suppose to be.

So let’s stop being contrary and follow God.