When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

1) The courting of my wife and our wedding day.  2) Helping to deliver all five of my children with the doctor.  3) Having a miracle happen as a result of answered prayer for myself.  4) Having parents who modeled hard work and self-sacrifice to serve God.  5) Seeing God put together a Back the Blue Rally in the middle of COVID in six weeks, on a Monday night, where over 1,000 people showed up to honor our officers.

    The above are moments in life with people I love that money could never buy.

    The same is true for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit — earthly currency does not entice the Godhead (Father, Son, or Spirit). And it devalues the true awesomeness of the Spirit of God and his love and power, so much so that Peter warns Simon to repent.

    In our human minds, we tend to drift back in our thinking to foolishness. This includes thinking we can earn or buy our way into the Kingdom of God. We cannot! The Holy Spirit is a gift of God given into the hearts of those wholly committed to him and following his ways.

    In what areas of my life have I tried to buy or earn my way into right relationship with God?  

    Lord, forgive me for thinking in any way that I could earn or buy your affection. You love me just as you see me — a broken sinner in need of a Savior. May I remain humble and continue to intently search after you.