The dishonest servant

Naaman was so grateful that he had been healed that he went back to Elisha and said, “Now I know that your God is the only God. Please take this gift as a sign of my gratitude.”

But Elisha replied, “I will not accept the gift.” Even though Naaman tried to persuade him to take it, Elisha refused. So Naaman went on his way.

But Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, heard them speaking and decided to get something from Naaman for himself. Naaman had not gone far when Gehazi caught up with him.

“My master sent me to tell you that two prophets have just arrived and that he could use the gifts you wanted to give him,” he said.

Naaman gladly gave Gehazi what he had asked for. When Gehazi got back, Elisha asked him where he had been.

“I didn’t go anywhere!” Gehazi lied.

Elisha said to him, “Is this the time to take money and clothes for yourself? Because you have done this, you will get the skin disease that Naaman had.”

Does a little dishonesty really matter?

Gehazi may have thought to himself, “Since Naaman really wants to show his gratitude and Elisha does not want the gift, I will take it and everyone will be happy.” It seemed like a sensible thing to do—and no one would know!

Dishonesty in little things often leads to dishonesty in bigger things. When someone is dishonest, others lose respect for that person and find it harder to trust them. The real test of honesty is what you do when no one is watching. Keep your heart and mind pure so that your heavenly Father, who sees everything, can trust you with greater things.

Verse for today

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10

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