The Transformation Process

Naaman's leprosy is cleansed because he listened to the voices of God's servants every step of the way. Listening to them was his ultimate test of faith as he was a notable man and the conquering leader of the Syrian armies. Having been cleansed his outlook on his own standing has radically changed.

2 Kings 5:15 (ESV) 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.”

Notice that Naaman now calls himself Elisha's servant. This is the transformation God wants from us when we are healed from the plague of sin. We are ready to serve the Lord because we know the Lord works through serving people.

There's more to Naaman's transformation. He wants to bless Elisha with gifts but Elisha will not accept them. This will contrast with Gehazi's greed later on but notice the turnabout in the conversation with Elisha:

2 Kings 5:17 (ESV) Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.

Naaman does not simply receive healing from the Lord, He seeks to only worship the Lord. But there's a caveat to this life change for him. He works for pagans in a pagan nation surrounded by pagan worship. What's more, he's very important to those pagans. Notice the next bit of dialogue:

2 Kings 5:18 (ESV) In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.”

Naaman's new life brings new challenges and he has the foresight to see them even now. No wonder he was such a good general. He can see things well in advance. In this case, it is a matter of accompanying his master into the pagan temple of Rimmon and needing to lean down as his king goes in to worship this false god. It's a serious predicament for Naaman and one that people wrestle with today in different ways. What if your new life in Christ presents you with challenges that bring tension to your old life? How should you respond?

First, we should note Naaman's situation. He doesn't want to worship Rimmon. But he also doesn't want to disrespect his master. He has a genuine love for him. After all, this king had sent letters to Israel for Naaman's healing in the first place. Taking in those extenuating circumstances, Elisha has a one phrase answer:

2 Kings 5:19 (ESV) He said to him, “Go in peace.”

Elisha models an important attribute for Christian leadership. When people are converted to the Lord, we must not instantly expect their whole lives to shift in ways that bring tension and damage to their entire existence. There will be a period of growth and transformation in all things pertaining to their lives and it is not our job to hold their feet to the fire from day one of their conversion. Some may still have to work in questionable industries even as they sort out their new faith. It took John Newton time after conversion before he gave up being the captain of a slave ship. Later he wrote Amazing Grace in response to God's patience both before and after his conversion. 

There is good news for new believers here. You don't have to change everything on the spot when coming to Christ. You have to learn to walk with Him and function in your new life with grace and mercy for those who do not yet believe like you. I have seen many new Christians totally destroy their relationships out of youthful and foolhardy zeal. Be careful, God will use you but learn to live in the same measure of grace He gave you. Others will thank you.