Don’t allow things to define you. God’s word is the absolute identifier of your purpose-filled existence. In scripture Elisha, the man of God instructed Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram to wash in the Jordan seven times so his flesh would be restored because was a leper. Naaman did as the man of God instructed and his flesh was restored like that of a little child. Naaman and the people with him went to the man of God after experiencing the miracle of God to offer Elisha a blessing and a gift but Elisha refused and told Naaman to go in peace.
When Naaman departed, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant pursued Naaman. If I were to use my spiritual imagination, I believe when Naaman offered a blessing and a gift to Elisha, Gehazi saw all that he was going to offer which prompted him to make a life-altering decision.
Gehazi pursued Naaman and lied to him in order to obtain about 60lbs of silver and two changes of clothes. Gehazi's actions were revealed to Elisha and he confronted Gehazi stating “is it a proper time to accept money and clothing and olive orchards and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female servants?” (2 Kings 5:26) God is the one who blesses us abundantly and he supplies all of our needs. We don't have to go out searching for things to define us.
Things don’t define us our obedience and relationship with God defines who we are. Gehazi’s actions in seeking after the things, caused him to receive exactly what the things came with when obtained the wrong way. Gehazi became a leper. This is a powerful example that seeking our identity in the wrong things comes with a price. It is wise to identify with the one who already paid the ultimate price, Jesus Christ.
Take a moment out of your day to read 2 Kings the 5th chapter in its entirety.
Targeted Scripture
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." (John 15:16)
Image by JL G from Pixabay
Comments