When simple things look too good to be true, consider the story found in 2 Kings, chapter 5:
A commander in the Syrian Army by the name of Naaman, was popular, intelligent, a war hero and a born leader. One day he was unexpectantly diagnosed with leprosy. There was no known cure for this disease at that time. They could only isolate the infected person so he would have no contact with anyone else and risk spreading the horrible curse on others. It was not only the end of Naaman’s social life but also the end of his military career (to say nothing of it being a painful way to die). Naaman had heard of a prophet in Israel (see: 2 Kings 5: 3-4) and although he was not a believer himself, his desperation forced him to seek out the man call Elisha.
After having gathered a large amount of money and gifts, along with a company of soldiers and attendants, he set out to visit Elisha. When he finally arrived at the tent of the prophet he was disappointed to have only a servant there to greet him. An important man like himself would rather have been greeted by the prophet. Still, the servant had a message for Naaman: “Go, wash thyself seven times in the River Jordan and thou wilt be healed.” (See: 2 Kings 5: 10.)
Naaman was outraged.
“Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?” (2 Kings 5: 11-12.)
Now Naaman had brought with him a large amount of money and gifts. He expected to have to pay for being cured. Indeed, if he had been asked to do some great thing, he would have done it.
What then was the problem with being asked to something so simple and so inexpensive as washing seven times in the local river? Wasn’t it worth even trying? When his own servant pointed that out to him, Naaman admitted he was wrong to have been angry and closed minded. He proceeded to the river to wash seven times as requested. To every one’s amazement, he was healed instantly.( 2 Kings 5: 13-14.)
All Naaman needed to be healed was faith in the prophet and willingness to obey his advice.
Obedience takes faith, and faith overcomes pride. It was really pride that was stopping Naaman from being obedient. It all just looked too simple – too good to be true.
How little things have changed in human nature since that day. We are often asked to do simple things by today’s prophets. And we still sometimes think the words of these men of God to be foolish or meaningless or both. Baptism, paying tithing, studying the scriptures, observing the Sabbath, sure, they help the church. But how could these simple things possibly help me?
Yes, those things help the Church to be strong, but they are just like what Naaman finally did to be healed. These simple things will also heal and help us to be strong as well.
Baptism is a process of covenanting with God that we will be obedient. It not only gives us purpose but also opens the door to the help and assistance God can freely offer to sustain our spiritual health and welfare. Baptism also brings with it the Gift of the Holy Ghost which sustains us with knowledge, understanding and the comfort of peace which our hearts long for. (See Mosiah 18:8–10, 13)
Tithing does not require extra money for it to be paid. It requires faith: Faith to put your money on the line and your trust in the Lord, knowing you will not be penalized for obeying him but will rather be blessed for your faith in him. You will never go short when you pay your 10% to the Lord. You may have to learn how to budget, learn how to control spending and better use the 90% (which the Lord really also owns but has allowed you to use for yourself), but you will not go without. (See Malachi 3: 8-10)
Studying the scriptures is how we come to know God. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17: 3)
Observing the Sabbath We observe the Sabbath as a sign of our obedience (Deuteronomy 5: 12-13). We renew and remember our covenant to serve him by attending and participating in his Sacrament (Luke 22:19–20). It is a break from the other 6 days of labour, where we spend our time and devotion to worldly affairs. One could become totally absorbed in those endeavours at the expense of their commitment to God if it were not for the Sabbath Day commitment. Each of these commandments are for our betterment and not his. He is already perfect. He could manage all these things without our help. But we are allowed to participate so that we may learn to become as he is by experience.
When you ask yourself what price you would pay to get rid of your inflictions, bad habits and addictions, what is your answer? If your doctor told you that a very expensive operation and a very painful recovery would be the solution, would you sign up? Then why not consider what the Lord asks? Is it possible that pride prevents us from taking these simple steps?
We aren’t told what happened to Naaman after he was healed, but his story obviously didn’t end there. It really only began. Our life too can have a new beginning when we let go of pride and grab hold of the words and commandments of Christ. It only requires faith, knowledge and obedience.
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.” Edward Everett Hale
– Doug Garrett
