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Selfish Successors.
“So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?” 2 Kings 5:21 KJV.
Gehazi manipulated the moment and manufactured a reason to slip away from his master Elisha, to serve his true master–Mammon. Gehazi assisted Elisha–but he worshipped–Mammon. Gehazi was in a position to be Elisha’s successor–but his heart was far from God and was led by his true master–Mammon.
You may be in the room, but when you dishonor the mantle, you’ll forfeit the Promise. You may be sitting at the table of opportunity, but dishonor the season and forfeit legacy. You may be in line for succession, and dishonor the grace. You may be positioned for promotion, and dishonor leadership–and forfeit the Promise.
Elisha made the decision not to accept funds from Naaman and Gehazi saw an opportunity. Don’t worship the “opportunity of the moment” instead of honoring God. Gehazi’s heart worshipped Mammon. For his opportunistic heart pursued after the opportunity.
“And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.” 2 Kings 5:22 KJV.
Gehazi manufactured a lie in order to receive Elisha’s gift. Gehazi’s character wasn’t just flawed–his heart worshipped a deeply embedded idol–Mammon. “And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.” 2 Kings 5:23 KJV.
Gehazi received two talents of silver and two changes of garments–a mere fraction of the original gift presented to Elisha. Gehazi sold his legacy for a mere fraction of the original gift that was offered to Elisha. Mammon, the worship of riches, will deceive you and trick you out of your legacy.
Scripture
About this Plan
In Vance K. Jackson's new leadership book, "Legacy: God Honors the Heart," this excerpt from Chapter 1 explores the powerful biblical account of Naaman and Gehazi—a moment that unpacks the tension between opportunity and integrity. While Naaman’s healing showcases God’s miraculous power, Gehazi’s actions reveal a deeper issue: the danger of "character compromise". Vance draws a bold and relevant parallel to leadership across the spheres of business, government, and community. This chapter challenges readers to reflect on how internal decisions—those made behind closed doors or beyond public view—can either elevate a legacy or unravel it.
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