Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Acts 8:18-24.
This week, we will be looking at the motivations behind the actions of different people in the Bible. We will see examples of pure, upright motivations, but we will also see others that are not so good. In today’s passage, we meet Simon the Sorcerer. Earlier in this chapter, we learn that Simon amazed people with his magic and boasted that he was someone great. When Philip came to Samaria, many people believed and were baptized. Simon too believed and was baptized.
Peter and John followed Philip to Samaria to complete his work among the converts, placing their hands on them and praying for them to receive the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw the people being filled with the Holy Spirit, he wanted the power to convey the Spirit and gave money to Peter and John. Simon no doubt wanted the attention that would bring him. Peter and John rebuked him harshly, saying correctly that he was attempting to buy the gift of God. There is a lesson in this for all of us in the church. It is not enough to do good things; our motives for doing them must be pure.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect for a few minutes on things you do in the church. Do you ever do those for attention or to make others admire you? All of us desire to be accepted and to be successful in our ministries. Pray that those desires do not enter into your motivation for serving Christ.
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