FAITH CAPSULE: Saying there is God and expressing there is no God is being a fool

2 Kings 5

It is written, “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” (Proverbs 18:2) The Bible points out that a fool is one that says in his heart that there is no God. (Psalm 14:1) Most times what is being said in the heart is the actual expression in the physical. Verbal communication can testify there is a God but when expression and acts violate God, it condemns one to a fool. The point being communicated here is that, no matter how much we carry God in our words, if our world does not demonstrate the fear of God, we are saying there is no God. It is important for one to identify self, determine and deny every trace of foolishness to avoid self destruction in the journey of life. Are you one that always want only your story to be heard without listening to others? In every confronting or embracing situation, is it your own story that must be heard rather than others? Is it your own reason that has to be appreciated without giving others a chance? Are you one that is only concerned all about own self? Truly there is nothing wrong with paying attention to one’s own, but when the whole identity of one becomes that of self centeredness, the word ‘own’ becomes a pride issue. Pride, the evidence of foolishness, can also be defined as a personal ride into self destruction. Pride is not of God; it is saying there is no God. Naaman, a commander of the army of the King of Syria, was described as a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master. However, he was foolish in his first approach to the prophet of God Elisha. As a leper, he needed cleansing and healing when he approached Elisha. Elisha directed him to go and wash for restoration at the Jordan River seven times but responded without understanding by expressing himself when he, “…became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ Are not the Abanahand the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.” (2 Kings 5:11-12) Naaman has no delight in the understanding that was in place to deliver him. As a result of lack of understanding he activated anger, the expression of foolishness and the evidence of pride. Later, Naaman gained understanding, he went to wash as commanded; he received cleansing and testified, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel…” (2 Kings 5:15) Allow His word to rest in you.

Prayer for today: Ask God to open up your understanding.