"Gehazi, Don't Do It!"
After Naaman was healed of leprosy, he tried to pay Elisha, but he wouldn't take Naaman's money (integrity). But Elisha's servant, Gehazi, chased after Naaman to get the money that the prophet refused. He thought, "Immo get that money!"
Gehazi caught up with Naaman's chariot and lied saying that Elisha sent him to get the money. He got the money from Naaman. God showed Elisha his servant's deception and greed.
Gehazi forgot he was supposed to be a servant. He injected himself into a ministry relationship and activity just to get money off well-to-do Naaman. He tried to convert Elisha's ministry connection into profit for himself. He got the money, but also got leprosy. He became deformed physically (and spiritually).
Gehazi's errors: No integrity, greed, pride, deception, hidden agenda, resource conversion.
2 Kings 5:20, 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...25 Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.” 26 Then he said to him, “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? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.”
