Buying what is freely given

Acts 8:18-23 (MSG)

“When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”

Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”

It's too shocking to find out that many Christians who are in church are not actually there because they love God. They are there to fulfill their personal needs. One time a gospel preacher Apostle Grace Lubega of phaneroo ministries said that many people are in church because they are looking for jobs, wives and wealth and not necessarily because they loved God. When they get what they want, many of them leave church and seek their own life. In-fact many are simply trying to buy the gift of God which is freely given. Peter told Simon the sorcerer that he had no part nor lot in the kingdom matters by thinking that he can buy the gift of God.

Brothers and sisters let's reflect on this message and check whether we are simply using God to buy the free gift He has given us. The Bible says that we should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall follow (Mat 6:33). We must know our part and lot in the kingdom. When we are to give and help, let's do them because we love God and not expecting something in return.

Blessed day