Gehazi's Greed

 Gehazi's Greed

II Kings 5:20-22 NKJV

[20] But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” [21] So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” [22] And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’ ”

Greed may be described as an excessive and selfish desire for more of something than is needed, especially material gain, social value, or power. It may also be described as an immoderate love for riches and earthly possessions. keep that at the back of your mind as we reread the story of Gehazi. Many, unfortunately have been affected by this virus even in the work of ministry.

   Here are a few Bible verses that warn against greed: 1Timothy 6:9-10, 17-18: "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil". Ephesians 5:5: "Covetousness, or having an excessive or greedy desire for more, is idolatry". Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have"  We are not sure whether Gehazi was familiar with these, but the Master's reaction is an indication that greed was just as sinful then as it is now. 

   Greed is considered a deadly sin, meaning it's believed to lead to other sins and immoral behavior. Here's an AI report: " Greed can lead to a psychological obsession that causes people to become willing to cheat, steal, or exploit others to obtain material gain. It can also cause people to neglect family, donate little to charity, or look down on the poor". These all seem to appear on Gehazi's resume. Luke 12:15 sums it up: " Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions". May Gid deliver us from greed, in Jesus Name. Good morning.