‘Two mule loads of dirt’
I think that our value system in America is out of whack. People definitely see things from different perspectives. “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is true. Have you ever been to an art museum? Some paintings look like our youth group hung up a canvas and threw loaded paint brushes at it. Some people will pay thousands for an original Picasso, others would gladly pay someone to haul it away. Some like small cars and others like large cars. We’re different as night and day. When it comes to worship or to church services, our tastes are also very different. Some like liturgy and formality, others like to free-wheel. We put value on things depending on our likes and dislikes. The danger comes when we start putting value on things that have no value. When our priorities become that out of kilter is when problems begin to mount.
Do you remember the story of Naaman in 2 Kings Chapter 5? He was the captain of the hosts of Syria — a leader very popular and powerful. His credentials were impeccable — but he was a leper! When Naaman knew that he had leprosy, nothing else meant a thing. He had a fatal disease. He couldn’t help himself and no one else could help his condition. It’s a great story. His wife’s maid recommended Elisha the prophet as a solution. Naaman was grasping at straws and he unenthusiastically made the trip from Damascus to Dothan. He got angry at Elisha for not coming out to see him. He sent his servant. 2 Kings 5:10, “If you want to be healed, go dip in the Jordan River seven times and your leprosy will be gone!” Verses 11 and 12 record his reaction. His officers convinced him that he was being foolish and he obeyed the prescription — and he was healed! His skin became as a child’s skin. His entire attitude changed.
As Naaman and his convoy were preparing to head back home he asked for favor! Can I take back with me two mule loads of dirt? — and he did that. He could have spent time with Elisha, he could have asked to see the Mantel of Elijah. He could have learned more about the God of Elisha — but he wanted two loads of dirt!
What Naaman didn’t get in Israel was a real experience with God. His body was healed, he felt generous, but his heart never changed.
People do the same thing today that Naaman did! They leave the service with a good feeling. They leave seminars with armloads of CDs and DVDs and, yet, have not been changed. They have shortchanged themselves. We’re too much like Naaman. Our value system is all wrong. We leave behind things that have eternal value and take home stuff that has little or no value. Even though the God of Elisha could heal leprosy, Naaman still would bow to a false god.
There are so many who attend church, listen to gospel music, watch Christian TV, but have never committed their lives to Jesus. You have lots of books but you’re not in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Learn how to live the abundant life today!