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A “Legend In His Own Mind”

In the character of Naaman, we see a man who was truly a “legend in his own mind.” Many are misunderstanding and rejecting God’s Word today because they desire to please self instead of pleasing God (2 Kings 5:11-12).

The Attitude Of Naaman

Let’s note some other possible reasons why Naaman was a “legend in his own mind.” From the beginning of this story in 2 Kings 5:1, we see at least two possible reasons that could have played a factor resulting in the arrogant attitude of Naaman:

(1) He was a “great” and “honorable” man in the eyes of the Syrian king (Ben-hadad – 2 Kings 5:1; cf. 2 Kings 6:24).

(2) He was a “mighty man in valor” (2 Kings 5:1). It is possible that Naaman simply thought of himself as “great” and “mighty.” As a result, he would have displayed an attitude of self-importance resulting in his arrogant disposition.

After the prophet (Elisha) sent a messenger to Naaman giving him God’s instructions on the process of getting rid of his leprosy, Naaman thought his ideas were better than God’s instructions (2 Kings 5:10-12). He should have been thankful and satisfied with the promise of being made clean of his leprosy. Instead, “Naaman became furious” (2 Kings 5:11 ) because he didn’t get “his way” or “I thought”).

An Attitude Of Selfish Pride

In the religious world we live in today, many folks become angry when God’s word doesn’t match up with their wants. “Their thoughts” take precedence over “God’s thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). We desperately need to dispense with that kind of selfish pride and be more concerned with what God thinks than what we think (Romans 11:33-36).

An Attitude Of Unthankfulness

We also see a attitude of unthankfulness in the character of Naaman. Did he appreciate or offer any expression of thanks to the young Hebrew slave for telling her mistress (Naaman’s wife) about a prophet (Elisha) who could ask God to cleanse him of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3)? (Note: After the cleansing of his leprosy, Naaman did finally humble himself and expressed his thankfulness to Elisha, the prophet – 2 Kings 5:10,15).

Paul’s Exhortation

In Romans 12:3, Paul exhorts each of the brethren at Rome, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think….” Every Christian should work at having a character of humility, because there is a great tendency within many of us to think too highly of ourselves, i.e. our intellect, abilities, etc.

Remember that God stands against such puffed up attitudes (1 Peter 5:5). Paul’s exhortation to us is to think of ourselves wisely and accurately, making a sane and well-balanced evaluation of our abilities – not an insane, unbalanced judgment.

Conclusion:

Are we sometimes like Naaman, thinking that we are a “legend in our own mind?” If we think we are, perhaps we need to “humble ourselves” before God and ask His forgiveness that we might become better servants of His (2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).