Target: Aiming To Focus On God预览

God is our provider and knowing this truth believers are able to remain assured that all of their needs are taken care of.  Aiming to focus on God’s plan requires discipline in denouncing negative distractions that seek to get you away from God’s target in your life. The distraction of greed is the intense and selfish desire to acquire; possessions, positions, prestige, property, and payment.

Greed is a dangerous characteristic in any human being and must be checked immediately. Scripture clearly informs us that some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10).

We see an example of the effects of greed with Elisha’s servant Gehazi in scripture.  Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria), was a leper. Naaman’s wife’s servant told her about the prophet who was in Samaria who would heal Naaman of his leprosy if he were there.  Naaman was permitted to travel to Samaria to seek out the prophet, and when he followed the directions of Elisha, Naaman’s flesh was cleansed and restored like that of a little child.

Naaman acknowledged God, displayed gratitude, and wanted to provide Elisha with a blessing. Now Namaan left Syria and brought with him to Samaria 10 talents of silver, 6,000 shekels of gold and 10 changes of clothing.  Although Naaman urged Elisha to accept a blessing and a gift, Elisha did not accept anything and refused.  

Naaman departed and was a good distance away when Gehazi aimed at the wrong target and failed to focus on God’s plan and the example of Elisha. Gehazi’s heart reflected his actions and he ran after Naaman, lied to him and received possessions and deliberately hid the items in the house. Gehazi’s sin found him out, Elisha was aware of it, and, most importantly, God knew about it.

Gehazi’s greed caused the leprosy of Naaman to cling to not only him but to his descendants forever. 

Focusing on anything other than God’s targeted plan for your life will result in a grievous end. Not only will the individual who has focused on the wrong target endure consequences, but those near and dear to them will be affected. 

It is important for individuals not to focus on the fulfillment of the world’s distractions but to aim towards faithfully trusting in God’s promised provisions for their lives.