Dealing with Difficult Assistants

Dealing With Difficult Assistants 

II Kings 5:24-27 NKJV

[24] When he came to the citadel, he took them from their hand, and stored them away in the house; then he let the men go, and they departed. [25] Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.” [26] Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? [27] Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

  Elijah produduced Elisha. Elisha was meant to produce Gehazi, but Gehazi was a man of the flesh. He needed quick results. He was more focused on the gains of the ministry than the process of the ministry. Every leader encounters this. Between entry and celebration, there's a period of training. It is the time Assistants are made. 

  So Elisha dismissed Naaman. Naaman returned to Syria with a deeper sense of respect for the God of Israel. As far as Gehazi was concerned, the master had missed an opportunity. He believed that you should use any opportunity to squeeze something out of the flock. This was a commercial Minister in the making. So he took it upon himself to run after Naamam and collect some stuff. He considered himself wiser than the Master. Assistants who do so, do not go very far in the ministry. 

  Managing difficult assistants or employees are a major concern for any employer. Here is someone's lamentations: " One of the most perplexing questions that managers in leadership positions face is how to deal with difficult employees. An employee’s problematic behavior and poor attitude can spread quickly, negatively affecting their productivity and that of other members of your team. This can lead to serious repercussions for your entire business, creating a toxic environment that keeps you from satisfying customers and reaching your goals. Dealing with difficult employees is an enormous challenge, but you must do so immediately to minimize the damage".          That information was made available in 2022, yet it fits Gehazi's case adequately. Gehazi did not behave in a professional manner fitting the life of the next generation Prophet.

   Gehazi posed a deep leadership challenge. His behaviour and attitude vould affect a whole generation of the sons of tge prophet. In that act, Gehazi did not go alone. He was already affecting others. A toxic assistant can ruin years of leadership investments. Unless you understand this, there's a tendency to dismiss Elisha as being harsh and unfeeling. If you're confronted with a lying, powerless, and prayerless assistant who refuses to learn from you, what would you do? Share with us. If you're an assistant, share your expectations with us. Good morning.