Sick of Greed
2 Kings 5:14-27
Too often a “what’s-in-it-for-me” motive lurks beneath the surface of our decisions and actions. Some people even engage in public service or give to charitable organizations, not so much to help others as to advance selfish personal goals. Believers are not immune from the temptation to be motivated by greed.
Today’s lesson focuses on the greedy actions of Elisha’s servant Gehazi after the healing of Naaman. However, believers have God’s example, teachings and presence that can help them make grace, not greed, the motive for all their actions toward others.
The highly respected and valiant warrior Naaman, captain of the Aramean army, was a leper. At the suggestion of an Israelite girl, Naaman sought out the prophet Elisha to cure him of his leprosy. The prophet instructed him to wash seven times in the river Jordan. After first resisting this word from the prophet, Naaman finally followed his direction and was healed. Naaman displayed gratitude by offering Elisha a gift for his healing. Yet Elisha declined these offers, showing the prophet’s graciousness.
We demonstrate the Lord’s gracious nature when we carefully avoid taking advantage of others, especially those filled with gratitude over what the Lord has done to help them. Grace must be the motive for all of our actions toward others and grace is not for sale (2 Kings 5:14-16).
In contrast to Elisha’s gracious attitude, his servant Gehazi was motivated by greed. Acting selfishly, Gehazi pursued Naaman and lied to him, telling him that Elisha now requested a gift. When thoughts of a profit (2 Kings 5:20-22) motivate one’s deed instead of grace, then selfishness has prevailed. With the Lord’s help, we can reject selfish impulses that find expression in self-justifying thoughts and deceitful actions.
Elisha exposed his servant’s lies and greed, and he declared that Gehazi would contract the disease from which Naaman had been healed. The poison of greed does damage one’s life and relationships. We can be motivated to serve with a gracious spirit by keeping in mind that no good comes from greed (2 Kings 5:24-27).
The greedy actions of Elisha’s servant Gehazi have no place in the lives of Christians. With God’s help, we must always guard our hearts and be sure that our actions toward others are motivated by grace, not greed.
Larry McDonald– Lessons by Larry McDonald, dean of North Greenville University’s Graduate School of Christian Ministry and professor of Christian spirituality. He holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary.