God has gifted and anointed us for His purposes and plans. Yet, how many of us have been found prostituting these gifts, talents and anointings for our personal gain and glory? Please, don't get me wrong. I do believe that God will often allow us to prosper be blessed, as we walk in obedience to His leading and guidance, offering our gifts, talents and anointings for His glory and the building of His kingdom.
There is a story in 2 Kings 5, that tells of a high ranking official, a valiant soldier, who had leprosy. This man was Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram. He learns of the prophet, Elisha, through a young servant girl from Israel. She sends word that the prophet can heal him.
Naaman secures the approval of the King and gathers an impressive assortment of money and gifts to give the prophet in exchange for his healing. As he arrives, Elisha doesn't even come out to greet him, but rather, sends a messenger with instructions for Naaman to follow in order to receive his healing.
After reluctantly following the prophet's instructions, Naaman is indeed healed, as Elisha had spoken. It is then that Naaman believes in the God whom Elisha serves. As a matter of fact, he declares, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant."
Elisha refuses the gifts and money that Naaman offers. Even though Naaman tries to insist, the prophet still refuses. He declares, "As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing." It is then that Naaman goes on to declare that he will not make any more burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other gods, except the Lord.
I believe, had Naaman not saw Elisha's humility, conviction and dedication to God manifested in such a powerful way, he probably wouldn't have been moved to make the proclamation that he did. Naaman needed to know that his trust needed to be in God, not his wealth or position. He needed to know that God wanted his heart and his worship, not his money.
However, Elisha's servant, Gehazi, allowed greed and deceit to fill his heart. He sees an opportunity for personal gain, regardless of the fact that the prophet has declined the gifts and money. In the end, Gehazi is struck with Naaman's leprosy. Not only is he affected by this, but Elisha declares that his descendents will also suffer the curse brought through his disobedience and greed.
I am often mindful of the things that God has entrusted to me. Am I using them for God's glory or my own? Am I building my kingdom or His? Am I more concerned about earthly possessions than I am the value of one lost soul?
The Lord exhorts us to do for those who are not able to do for us in return. Jesus goes on to say, in Luke 16:11, "So if you have not be trustworth in handling worldy wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
