Things That Can Never Be Bought With Money
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.
Acts 8:18-21, NIV
When Philip shared the gospel in Samaria, a sorcerer named Simon believed and followed him. He was so astonished by what he witnessed that he desired the power of the Holy Spirit more than loving and pleasing God. When Peter and John visited Samaria and laid hands on the new believers, Simon offered them money thinking that he could buy the gift of God. But Peter was able to discern what was in Simon’s heart. He knew that Simon’s intention was not pure.
The Holy Spirit has the power to heal and touch someone’s life. When you experience His ways, you will realize that it’s something that you can never receive from the world. It’s a gift from God. And contrary to what Simon believed, you can never buy it with your money. Sometimes, we also fall into this trap. Simon thought that money could provide him with everything that he wanted, including the Holy Spirit, but the truth is that not everything you want can be bought with earthly riches, especially when we talk about things in the Kingdom of God.
The word ‘Simony’ was derived from this verse. The dictionary defined it as “the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment.” This refers to those people who used their money to gain church privileges. According to enduring word commentary, this sin is still practiced today. It happens when people think that money comes first before the blessings, instead of blessing first, and the money will follow.
This is a great reminder for us that there are things in this world that cannot be bought with money, and one of those is spiritual blessings. The Holy Spirit is a precious gift that no one else can give but God. That’s why it’s very important to cultivate your relationship with Him. He is the one who can satisfy your longings. He is worthy to receive our everything.
Prayer: Father God, please remind us about the things that we can never buy with our earthly riches. Give us a heart that’s always willing to dwell in your presence. May we never forget your gifts and teach us how to receive them with pure hearts. Help us Father, that we may not focus on the blessings, but instead, we fix our eyes on you, our deliver. This we ask and pray, In Jesus’ name, amen.
