God Knows the Heart

Scripture: “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also - when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” “Go in peace,” Elisha said. 2 Kings 5:17-19a

Observation: After being cured of leprosy, Naaman is declaring faith in the Lord to Elisha. He asks to take earth from Israel so he can build his own alter and worship the Lord. However, he asks for one point: His master worships some other god, and his job requires him to assist his master in that worship, so Naaman would like forgiveness for bowing within that god's temple. Elisha implies his consent of this.

There is certainly a difference between worship and attendance; between bowing to an idol and bowing down while in the presence of an idol. This request by Naaman is about his heart. He is pledging his heart and his faith to the Lord, the God of Israel. However, his job requires him to perform tasks in some other god's temple and he wishes forgiveness.

God does not allow sin, and Elisha would not lightly grant "permission" to sin. So there is a clearer observation here ... what Naaman is talking about is not sin because he is not worshiping an idol or any other god. The Lord knows the heart, and will know that Naaman is not worshiping but instead has kept himself elevated as the one true God.

Application: I need to meditate on this passage and learn deeper about it. I still live in fear that, some day, I will be forced to quit my job - a leadership position in a local government - due to my inability to comply with a mandate I know is contrary to God's law and God's will. I don't know when that will happen, but I worry about it. So this lesson today provides me some comfort. God knows my heart, and he knows whether or not I agree with everything that takes place in my workplace that does not align to his will.

I need to continue to seek God's guidance, but I also need to recognize that he has placed me here for a reason. I have a chance to influence behavior and culture, not just become a victim of it. And there may be room to perform work while keeping my heart, behavior, words, attitude, and example a light shining for Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, you know my heart. I too know the darker shadows of my heart, but I also know I love you greatly and I steadfastly believe in Jesus Christ. I love Jesus, and I have faith and hope in my eternal future. May you please provide me guidance in my daily walk at work. Help me to be your ever-brightening light in this ever-darkening place. May you know my heart when bad policies and practices invade the government, so that I do not enable evil, but may remain while I work for your will in this land. Amen.