Lessons from Naaman - Part 10

So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD. (2 Kings 5:14-17 ESV). NOTE: I always use disclaimers sparingly, however I must say at the outset that today’s devotional is intended to speak to those of us who do not work as vocational ministers. The Scripture is very clear about our responsibility to provide financially for those who minister to us. In fact they deserve a “double portion.” Our providing for them in this way frees them from “tent-making” and allows more time to minister. That having been said, let me ask why do you serve God? Are you trying to impress your preacher? Are you looking for a pat on the back? Do you want to make the “servant of the week” award? Are you serving because you are bored with nothing else to do? If something better comes along, are you out of here? Naaman was used to paying for what he got...or at least working hard to get it. He hadn't done anything to deserve God's healing. Elisha wouldn’t accept anything for healing his leprosy, because he realized it all belonged to God. Elisha hadn’t healed Naaman; God had. Elisha was just God’s messenger. Elisha wasn’t serving God for reward, but because he loved God, and wanted to please Him. He didn’t need payment, because he was simply doing his job for his Lord. Some people today have a hard time accepting this part of the gospel. Like Naaman, they react with an attitude of repayment. The fact that the gospel is free is contrary to many of the ways of the world. Who gives something, which lasts forever, and is more valuable than anything else, away for free? Yet, the Bible tells us that we cannot do anything in which to be saved. “It is a gift of God, so that no one may boast.” You can’t earn it. You can’t buy it. You can’t talk your way into it. Nothing you do will ever make you saved. Only what Christ did for you on the cross will suffice. If you are trying to be saved by works, or even trying to keep your salvation by works, remember what Elisha told Naaman. God will accept nothing from you! Naaman could have kept his wealth to give to the poor, in the name of God. All your works are as filthy rags when compared to what Jesus did for you! Use your works instead to glorify the One who died for you!