Unholy in the Midst of HolinessSample

Gehazi was covetous

When Naaman had left and begun to make his way back to Syria, Gehazi was thinking about his master’s decision. It just did not seem fair that Elisha could let Naaman leave without paying any tribute to him. The prophets did take gifts for their work (1 Samuel 9:7-8; 1 Kings 14:3). In fact, Elisha had done the same (2 Kings 4:42). 

This generosity seemed absurd to Gehazi. It was a chance which might never come again. You can almost picture Gehazi thinking, “What does it matter whether we take goods from this foreigner anyway?” He did not see any spiritual significance beyond this physical event. He could not see anything higher than a simple transaction between man and man. It did not seem to make any difference to Gehazi whether Naaman had been convinced by this miracle that Jehovah was the one and only God. Gehazi did not think or care about the fact that it would make God and His prophet look like they were taking a “pay off.” Naaman was now leaving and all Gehazi was thinking of was all the money and goods that were going with him. 

There are a lot of people who feel that someone who allows religious beliefs, convictions, or even morality to stand in the way of money or advancement is a fool. However, the Lord condemned covetousness in Luke 12:15 NIV: Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

In fact, covetous was the first sin. Eve saw what she couldn’t have. She wanted it and took it.

The Webster dictionary defines covetousness as greedy, grasping, having or showing a strong desire for possessions, especially material possessions. 

In 2 Kings 5:20 NASB we read “BUT Gehazi . . . thought, ‘Behold . . . ’” Literally, the Hebrew says “Gehazi . . . said,” but this expresses not what he said with his lips, but what was going on in his mind. Verse 26 shows us further what was really going on in his mind, as the prophet under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit knew what he was thinking and planning. Gehazi deceived Naaman in order to satisfy his desire for gold and silver because of what he thought it would give—happiness, security, significance.

A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. If you think that possessions will give you happiness, security or significance, you are sadly mistaken. 

Don’t be like Gehazi, coveting material goods, thinking this will make you happy. The opposite of covetousness is contentment. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV,  “...Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

In the Old Testament, we read about Achan. Achan saw the wedge of gold, the 200 shekels of silver, and the goodly Babylonian garments. He began to covet them and he took them. He stole the “accursed thing” (see Josh. 7:15 KJV). Then he tried to hide what he had done. 

This is what Gehazi did, too.

The outcome of both the stories ends tragically. Achan is stoned to death and Gehazi is struck with leprosy.

Quote: We must come to fear the idolatrous state of covetousness because the moment things have priority, radical obedience becomes impossible.” ― Richard J. Foster

Prayer: Lord, help me to be thankful for what You have given me and not to covet my neighbour’s goods. Amen