Greed vs Contentment
16 The prophet answered, "As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing." And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
19 "Go in peace," Elisha said.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him."
26 But Elisha said to him (Gehazi), "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and he was leprous, as white as snow.
Bee's Thoughts:
"A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." (Proverbs 15:27)Greed often brings about the downfall of a person and even those in his/her family. A person who wants to earn lots of money would spend all his time/life working very hard for money and is willing to forgo his time with his loved ones. The sad truth is that by time he has earned all the money he wants, he or his loved ones might not be around anymore. That's a common scene.
The bible teaches us that, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6). When we are contented with what we have, we will eacape many snares of getting rich and their resultant troubles. In fact, it's "great gain" to be godly and contented.
I have never come across a rich happy person. My ex-boss and current boss are rich; they boast of their wealth, yet they aren't happy, neither are their loved ones. But I known of a number of people who are just earning average income, trusting in the Lord, and are happy with what they have together with their loved ones.
Dear Lord,
Thank you that You will always supply my need even when at times situations look bleak. You are "Jehovah Jireh", the Lord that provides (Genesis 22:14). You'll never let me go hungry, never let me beg for food. You have answered my prayers that are prayed in Your will. Thank You.
In Jesus' name I pray again. Amen.
Tommy's Thoughts:
We heard before the poor cliché saying money is the root of all evil. Actually, it's incorrect as money in itself is not evil, it’s the “love for money” that drive people to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
Like in today’s passage, because of selfishness and greed, Gehazi lied and covered up his motives for accepting the money from Naaman. Worst, he wrongly implied money could be exchanged for God’s free gift of healing and mercy. In the end, Gehazi suffered greatly because of his greed and deceit.
Asides from money, we might also wrongly seek other personal gain like praises or acknowledgement from others for serving God. True service is motivated by love and devotion to God without seeking any personal gains. We need to check our motives whenever we say we wanted to serve Him. Because we can’t serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me to check my motive in everything I do, especially in serving You. Teach me not to seek selfish personal gain but to praise and glorify Your Name. Teach me also to serve You with a grateful and joyful heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
