HEALTH TRUMPS WEALTH

“Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable…BUT he was a LEPER” – 2 Kings 5:1

The story of General Naaman testifies to the truism that HEALTH TRUMPS WEALTH: “Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper” (2 Kgs.5:1). It is often said that “Health is Wealth.” There is some truth to that, but meditating on Scriptures, I can say that Health is not just wealth; health is superior to wealth – Health Trumps Wealth! Namaan’s affluence, position, prestige, political status, and military prowess, could not deliver him from leprosy. The quality-of-life of this great, honourable, mighty man of valour took a deep plunge in the absence of good health.

Namaan came to the stark realisation that Health is a priceless asset – one of humanity’s greatest assets. The absence of good health can spell a lifetime of sorrow, sadness, pain, and frustration. Lack of sound health was the big “BUT” in Namaan’s life notwithstanding his military status, greatness, honour, might, and valour! Naaman had wealth but lacked health. His wealth could not purchase good health for him. His lack of health made his wealth meaningless. Namaan and the king of Syria thought they could offer wealth to buy health, but were utterly disappointed (vv.5-7). Namaan’s wife’s young maid proved to be wealthier than her master because she possessed the idea and inspiration that ultimately liberated him.

Namaan was taken aback to see that his paraphernalia of power and pride did not impress the prophet Elisha (vv.9-11). His prejudiced self-prescriptions were also of no consequence. All he needed to take delivery of restored health was humility to submit to and obey divine instructions: “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean” (v.10). God always has a solution – natural or supernatural – for every situation. Rather than despise instruction, our responsibility is to locate such, trust, and obey! Elisha placed wealth far below his calling and integrity, and refused Namaan’s gift, knowing that true health is superior to wealth, and cannot be bought with gold or silver (vv.15-16). Sadly, his servant, Gehazi ran in deceit and greed to collect the rewards of corruption, and along with it, leprosy (vv.20-27).

Beloved, your physical health is one of your greatest assets in life: it determines what happens in other life dimensions. In order to improve your physical health, it is important to examine all areas of life. Physical health is often affected by diverse issues such as: career stress, relationship challenges, family distress, loss of sense of purpose, and destructive patterns. In turn, physical health affects mental health and how one copes with or overcomes the other issues. The road to recovery of health seldom yields to material transactions or vain motives, such as wanting to be healthy for reasons of outer beauty or public impression. Namaan had to shed off his proud and glossy false façade before he could access restored health. If only the many men and women of affluence hiding behind the cloak of deceitfulness of riches could let go of ego and let God!

Beyond the vanity of appearances and looks which finally fade, the real reason our health is a great asset is that we need our physical bodies to be healthy, functional vessels in top shape, to carry out the great assignments we’re called unto. We need the energy, mental clarity, vitality, and longevity to carry out life’s purpose. That’s why we must develop a mind-set that views health as a great asset. Let’s take care of the vessel by which we are meant to show up and serve God and humanity.

Final Word: Will Health Trump Wealth in the United States? Will the longing to contain the Corona Virus triumph over the moves to rebuild America’s economic wealth in the face of the devastating pandemic? We await Heaven's decision on earth!