You Ain't All That!

       In 2 Kings 5, the Bible records a story about a man who had prestige and influence. Verse 1 describes this man, Naaman, as captain of the host of the king of Syria who was a great man with his master, and honorable. Naaman had

1) power

 He was the captain of the army.

2) prestige

He was influential as the captain of the army. He was the man who commanded the Syrian soldiers.

3) prominence

He stood out. Wherever he went in Syria, he was considered a man of importance. Not only did he stand out as captain, but he also stood out because was a leper (verse 1).

The Bible describes him as a mighty man of valor. This was Naaman’s reputation in the land of Syria. Chapter 5 goes on to inform the reader that Naaman, by way of his wife’s servant, sought help for his leprosy in the land of Israel. The problem here is that Naaman thought that his power, his prestige, and his prominence that he had in Syria should have granted him exceptional privilege and favor with the man of God in Israel. 2 Kings 5:9 lets us know that Elisha, the man of God, did not favor Naaman with any special privilege. Elisha sent his messenger with a word for Naaman. Naaman, who had power, prestige, and prominence in his own country was highly offended in the land of Israel.

This story reminds every believer that we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we are. Just because you are important in one place does not mean that you are important somewhere else!

Romans 12:3

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.