We find the story of Naaman in the book of 2 Kings, chapter five. He was the commander-in-chief of the Syrian army. He had led this army with courage. He had many victories. He was held in high esteem by both the men he led and the King he served.
In the midst of all his accolades, winning ways, and many admirers he had a flaw. Right at the beginning of this chapter the writer pens, “So he was a great hero, but he was a leper” (2 Kings 5:1). He was, but…
This can be said of so many leaders. She was a wonderful leader, but she had anger issues. She was admired by many, but she lacked discipline. She won many battles, but she failed to share the achievements.
In Naaman’s case he was a leper. His leprosy would become his Achilles’ heel. If not handled it would overtake all of his accomplishments. Knowing this, a little girl had an idea that might help Naaman avoid the road he was heading down. She suggested he go seen the prophet Elisha (5).
Naaman was open to finding help for this area of weakness. He loaded up with funding to purchase the time and talent of this prophet. He went with the expectation of being received with much fanfare. He assumed he was a well know leader-warrior. His being seen by this prophet would probably do much for Elisha’s image. He would provide him with some celebrity status.
It didn’t work out that way. Instead Elisha sent his servant, Gehazi, out to meet Naaman and his entourage. The servant was to tell him to wash in the Jordon River seven times. This did not sit well with Naaman. His ego was wounded.
“But Naaman was angry and stalked away. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I thought at least he would come out and talk to me! I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call upon the name of the Lord his God and heal me! Aren’t the Abana River and Pharpar River of Damascus better than all the rivers of Israel put together? If it’s rivers I need, I’ll wash at home and get rid of my leprosy.’So he went away in a rage” (2 Kings 5:11-12). It was not how Naaman expected, so he’d rather do it his way, then the right way.
In handling issues, leaders often react in the same way. The input from others seems distasteful. You have certain expectations and when they go unmet, pride steps up front and center. Naaman felt that what was asked of him was beneath his reputation and status. This could have cost him what he needed most…healing. Pride and unmet expectations can destroy.
Fortunately, Naaman had people around him who cared for him and were willing to risk his wrath. In 2 Kings 5:13 it is recorded, “But his officers tried to reason with him and said, ‘If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply to go and wash and be cured!’”
Naaman listened to his people. He did what he did not want to do. As a result he got what he was needed (14). We all need people around us who are both courageous enough, and care enough, to confront us.
What issue in your life do you have that may impact your future leadership effectiveness? What are you not willing to do to handled it due to pride? Who are the people in your life who are courageous enough, and care enough, who will confront you?