Acts 8:18-24
Simon noticed that the Spirit was given only when the apostles placed their hands on the people. So he brought money and said to Peter and John, "Let me have this power too! Then anyone I place my hands on will also be given the Holy Spirit.
Peter said to him, “You and your money will both end up in hell if you think you can buy God’s gift! You don’t have any part in this, and God sees that your heart isn’t right. Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. I can see that you are jealous and bound by your evil ways.
Simon said, “Please pray to the Lord, so that what you said won’t happen to me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first thought I had when I read this scripture passage was of the old Beatles song, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” There are probably very few of us who don’t think about money at some point in the day … from whether we have enough to pay bills, to how much more we need to save to buy something new, to how we will survive in retirement and more. But for some, money (or something in lieu of money) has become the answer to everything.
The truth of the matter is that God cannot be bought! I’m not saying we shouldn’t fund missions and think about money. I’m not saying that the system of exchanging payment for services rendered and items purchased doesn’t work. But when it comes to God, the only “payment” He will accept is raw faith. And really, this is great news, because it means that everyone is equal with God. Nobody can plunk down money and gain favor. We can’t give money to the church, family and friends, and never give any of our time and energy. Your possessions and wealth don’t make you better than your friends, classmates or co-workers, and God does not play favorites based on income level.
God wants our time, talents, service and faithfulness … and yes, our money. But only in that order, and only if the money is given to further His kingdom, not to buy His approval. The Holy Spirit is free to any and all who wish to receive Him. The woman in Luke 8:43-48 had it right. Sick for over twelve years, she saw Jesus in a crowd of people and barely touched the hem of his clothes, and instantly she was healed. Jesus said in the last part of verse 46, “Someone touched me, and I felt the power going out from me.” The woman didn’t give Jesus as much as one penny, yet she received His power and healing because of her faith. The disciples laid down their jobs, walked away from their homes and families and all of their belongings, and followed Jesus. And when He died and ascended into heaven, He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit to continue ministering and witnessing.
The question becomes, what are we doing to receive the Holy Spirit? Are we like Simon, wanting to throw some money or another form of payment toward God and buy our relationship with Him? Or are we humbly believing in His power and offering our service in whatever manner He desires? Are we pulling out our wallets for a payoff, or are we touching the hem of His clothes and serving faithfully? The difference is huge, and the consequences are eternal. How big is your faith and commitment today? Is your heart right before God?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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