The Danger Of Covetousness In Ministry Series

THE DANGER OF COVETOUSNESS IN MINISTRY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 5:15-27

Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Matthew 6:24; Acts 8:18-23; Proverbs 15:27; Hebrews 13:5

INTRODUCTION:

The healing of Naaman the Syrian was a glorious moment that revealed the power and mercy of God through the prophet Elisha. However, as the chapter progresses, a dark twist follows this miracle. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, allows covetousness to corrupt his heart. Though Elisha refused Naaman’s gifts—wanting to make clear that God’s healing is not for sale—Gehazi secretly pursued and collected some of those gifts under false pretence.

This act of greed, deception, and disobedience brought judgment upon him. He was cursed with the leprosy that once afflicted Naaman. What began as a beautiful testimony of grace ended as a tragic warning to all who serve in sacred spaces.

This teaching is a strong reminder that covetousness, especially among God’s servants, is dangerous and destructive. Ministry must never be a cloak for material gain. Purity of heart is essential in handling divine things.

1. COVETOUSNESS BEGINS IN THE HEART LONG BEFORE IT SHOWS IN ACTION

Gehazi had a hidden craving for wealth.

a) Greed disguises itself until opportunity arises

He said within himself, “My master has spared this Naaman... but I will run after him” (2 Kings 5:20).

b) A servant’s closeness to the anointing does not guarantee purity

Gehazi served Elisha, yet his heart was corrupt.

c) Internal compromise leads to external corruption

His decision was not sudden—it came from unchecked inner desires.

d) Temptation is often a test of true motivation in ministry

Gehazi saw Naaman’s gifts as an opportunity, not a temptation.

Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot, though among the Twelve, loved money more than his Master (John 12:4-6; Matthew 26:14-16).

2. DECEPTION MAY FOOL MAN BUT NOT GOD

Gehazi lied to Naaman and later to Elisha.

a) He invented a false story to justify his request

He claimed Elisha had visitors who needed silver and garments (v.22).

b) Covetousness leads to layers of sin: lies, manipulation, and deceit

He manipulated Naaman’s generosity through falsehood.

c) God reveals what men try to conceal

Elisha asked, “Went not my heart with thee...?” (v.26)

d) You may hide your actions from others, but not from God

Ministers must fear God more than they fear man.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira lied about their giving and died in judgment (Acts 5:1-11).

3. THE LOVE OF MONEY CAN CORRUPT A DIVINE CALLING

Gehazi forfeited his future because of his greed.

a) One moment of compromise can cancel a lifetime of opportunity

Gehazi was being mentored by Elisha—he could have inherited the mantle.

b) Materialism is a major enemy of spiritual inheritance

He chased silver and ended up with leprosy.

c) You cannot serve God and Mammon

No one can be loyal to both spiritual and material masters (Matthew 6:24).

d) Ministers must keep their motives pure and heavenly-minded

What you pursue will determine what possesses you.

Biblical Example: Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness and perished (2 Peter 2:15-16).

4. A MINISTER’S ACTIONS AFFECT MORE THAN HIMSELF

Gehazi’s curse extended to his lineage.

a) Leadership carries generational consequences

Elisha declared: “The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and thy seed forever” (v.27).

b) Your actions today can affect generations tomorrow

Gehazi’s descendants were doomed because of one decision.

c) A godly name is more valuable than temporal wealth

We must choose legacy over luxury.

d) It is possible to serve under great anointing and still miss destiny

Familiarity with anointed vessels is not a substitute for personal integrity.

Biblical Example: Eli’s sons desecrated the priesthood and were judged with finality (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 34).

5. GOD'S WORK MUST NEVER BE COMMERCIALISED

Elisha rejected Naaman’s gifts to uphold the sanctity of grace.

a) Miracles are not for sale—grace must not be merchandised

Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, I will receive nothing” (v.16).

b) Accepting gifts with wrong motives pollutes ministry purity

Gehazi's greed contrasted Elisha’s restraint.

c) We must maintain the boundary between ministry and merchandise

When gain becomes the focus, God departs.

d) Let the gospel be preached with integrity, not as a means of gain

True servants of God seek souls, not silver.

Biblical Example: Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit and was rebuked (Acts 8:18-23).

CONCLUSION:

Gehazi's story is a tragic warning to ministers and believers alike. Covetousness can corrupt even the most promising destinies. He stood next to Elisha, witnessed miracles, and had access to prophetic grace—yet greed destroyed it all. His downfall came not because he failed in public ministry but because he failed in private integrity.

In an age where ministry is sometimes driven by material pursuit, this message calls us back to purity, truth, and reverence. Let us serve God with clean hands and pure hearts, resisting every temptation to commercialise the sacred.