FAITH CAPSULE: Is your desire constantly right or wrong before God?

2 KINGS 5

Without doubt, a nurtured wrong desire is a direct avenue to destruction. Gehazi the servant of Elisha nurtured greed and went after Naaman the commander of the army of the King of Syria. Gehazi could not excuse himself from letting Naaman go away with his entire gift which Elisha refused to accept after commanding him to his healing from leprosy. When Gehazi returned for collecting gifts, Elisha responded to Gehazi’s corrupted desire by speaking to Gehazi, “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? 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.” (2 Kings 5:26-27) A destructive desire terminated the destiny of Gehazi.
Elisha asked him if it was time to receive money and other material goods from Naaman. In your serving others by the grace of God, is it time to receive money or material goods? Clearly there is time for everything. In your service by His grace, pay attention to God’s timing and not misplace your priority by engaging a destructive desire. Gehazi could have desired for triple anointing from his master Elisha, just as Elisha desired for double portion of Elijah’s anointing. Desiring for all that enables man to grow in the business of the kingdom of God is seeking God with all heart. It is written, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Whatever you desire, God will deposit it in your life. Do you know what your desire is? Is your desire constantly right or wrong before God? Whatever man does not know will not work for man. Know it this day that covetousness and evil desire is wrong before God and they cannot be separated. God gave His command in Deuteronomy 5:20-22, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
King David’s son; Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her.” (2 Samuel 13:2) Any desire that is causing man to be in a distressful situation is not of God. Ammon sought direction from Jonadab whom the bible described as a crafty man. Jonadab counseled Ammon and Ammon accomplished his desire over his sister Tamar. To Ammon, it was a life terminating desire. Be mindful of God’s command and His presence shall occupy you.

Prayer for today: Ask God to create in you a clean heart and a steadfast spirit within you.