We do not use God for personal gain.
Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant." But he said, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
2 Kings 5:15-16 (ESV)
We do not use God for personal gain. God works in us; it is not we who work in God. All that we have is a gift given to us so that we might positively participate in life. The key concept to remember is that all we have has been given to us; we are the stewards, not owners. Therefore, when someone wants to honor us for giving away what we have not earned and do not control, we would be foolish to accept it.
Elisha did not accept these gifts. His servant tried to, behind his back a bit later, and quickly learned that God should not be used for personal gain or glory.
2 Kings 5:15-16 (ESV)
We do not use God for personal gain. God works in us; it is not we who work in God. All that we have is a gift given to us so that we might positively participate in life. The key concept to remember is that all we have has been given to us; we are the stewards, not owners. Therefore, when someone wants to honor us for giving away what we have not earned and do not control, we would be foolish to accept it.
Elisha did not accept these gifts. His servant tried to, behind his back a bit later, and quickly learned that God should not be used for personal gain or glory.
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