False Heart

“’But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 

“’So you also have some who in the same way hold the teachings of the Nicolaitans.  Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.’” Revelation 2:14-16

“’And yet I have a few things against you.  You tolerate some among you who do as Balaam did when he taught Balak how to ruin the people of Israel by involving them in sexual sin and encouraging them to go to idol feasts.’” (Numbers 31:16).

“’Yes, you have some of these very same followers of Balaam among you!  Change your mind and attitude, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.’” The Living Bible

Balaam recognised God as powerful and became a leader of His people for selfish reasons.  However, he had a false heart that knew how weak people were against moral impurity and desire and there were leaders at the church at Pergamum who were leading some away from the Truth. 

Although there is always room for differences of opinion among Christians, there is no room for making excuses for sexual sin, pornography, cheating, gossiping and lying – sins that often remain hidden from those around them.

People can blame their leaders for their behaviours, but He died for each of us personally.  We must be ever vigilant and responsible for our actions.  God sent His only, beloved Son, Jesus Christ to die for all sins. 

It is up to each of us to admit our sins to Him.  When we do, He promises to forgive us our sins (hidden and open) and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.  And this cleansing must be done regularly with His Spiritual Soap (I John 1:8-10).