The Danger of Avariciousness
Everybody has a desire, but how each person goes about the fulfilment varies. It is like a need they would like to meet, but some do not consider the implications of their decisions on themselves and others as long as the initial desire gets fulfilled.
The story of Gehazi has some lessons that could help us today. He enjoyed a prominent position of power as he served under his master Elisha in mediaeval Israel. His master was instrumental in the healing of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army at the time.
The commander was appreciative and decided to present some gifts, but Elisha did not accept them but told him to go home in peace. Gehazi had a different thought as he felt that such an influential personality should be an opportunity to increase wealth.
He decided to execute the idea and pursued the commander without the knowledge or permission of his master. He then told the commander lies that his master had just received some visitors and that he would need something urgently to meet their needs.
The commander obliged and gave him more than he requested and continued his journey while Gehazi returned to store the booty safely in his house, afterwards returned to his master as if nothing had happened.
However, Elisha knew what had happened and the implications. He told Gehazi about it, which led to the end of their relationship, his prospects, plus severe consequences on his health. It was not gain after all.
There are people suffering today but seem not to know the cause. They have accumulated much but seem to have more trouble than they can bear. The pleasure from the greatness or wealth appears to be overshadowed by the unknown afflictions with strange causes.
The desire to achieve is good but how you go about it is also crucial. What you have may not amount to much in the end because of how you have acquired it. The joy of people that have little may sometimes come as a surprise to those that have much because they may not understand the peace of mind that comes with it. A little with joy is much better than so much with sorrow and unknown problems.
There was something much more crucial to Elisha—which represents his values, but Gehazi did not understand. He was only thinking if now, ‘me’ and gain.
When you only think of now and do not see how your actions may affect the bigger picture, you may be losing out on something bigger, greater—long-lasting and better. You can choose not to fall for the same trap and make a difference now, for a brighter future.
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