Sin of Numbering

Look out for the numbers game. Churches and ministries all seem to play it. Evangelists boast of how many people answer their altar calls. TV preachers put up numbers of those calling in and how much money gets pledged. Churches post projected amounts needed for the budget vs. amounts received in the offerings. All these things are boastful and prideful and grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

"Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel...And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel." - 1 Chr 21:1,7

Even King David could be moved upon by Satan. Pride, we're told, is the number one sin that motivates all other sins. I think that is why we see a dearth of anointed preachers and teachers today. The better preacher they are, the more it goes to their heads.

An old friend of mine, the late Dave Hunt was one of the most humble men of God I've ever known. As a young believer I recall approaching him after one of his moving messages and telling him how great it was. He reacted like I had just slapped his face, and hurried to tell me it's the LORD - give honor to Him alone.

Dave knew the danger of getting puffed up.

As a new believer, so hungry for God's Word, I could not suppress my excitement after hearing a Spirit-inspired message and would thank the speaker afterwards. Most would just say, Thank You. Dave recognized the danger.

When do we cross the line over into idolatry? I believe that happens when we exalt the messenger and not the One they point to.

The whole world will be falling into that snare soon when the antichrist appears and the whole world wonders after the beast.

We need to guard our hearts and minds.

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." - 1 Cor 10:12-14

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." - 1 John 5:21

[We can appreciate this child's talent even as we see the attitude of idolatry in the cheers of the audience. They don't call it "American IDOL for nothing!]