Today's Devotion

December 14, 2010

Beware of Seeking Earthly Treasure from Divine Power

Today we read of Simon who sought to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit. Actually he wanted to buy the means of giving the Holy Spirit from the apostles. He hoped to use divine power like a parlor trick for personal gain.

 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! "You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. "For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me."” (Acts 8:5-24 NKJV)

While trying to discern Simon’s motive, one must wonder if the followers of the health and wealth preachers of today suffer from the same moral deficiency. It seems clear those who preach health and wealth target people’s sinful desire to get rich.

Give to get is the message. While it is true that God can abundantly supply all we need, He warns against seeking riches.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all [kinds of] evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV)

There is nothing sinful about having riches. Many of God’s servants were very wealthy. It is the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. The desire to be rich opens up the temptations that ensnare so many. Like Simon who wanted to be rich he sacrificed his relationship with Christ.

Thankfully, for Simon’s sake he at least had enough sense to ask for prayer once he realized his error. What about you?

Are you chasing after money and things? Have you come to Christ thinking He will be your way of gaining earthly treasures? Or, have you become bitter because God has allowed you to go through some hardship?

Living for Christ is more about sacrifice than gain. I leave you to contemplate our Lord’s teaching.

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one [is] good but One, [that is], God. "You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’" And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"” (Mark 10:17-23 NKJV)