Motives matter to God.
“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.'” Acts 8:18-19 (NIV)
Simon had practiced sorcery prior to becoming a Christ follower. Simon himself believed and was baptized and then followed Philip everywhere. His motives may have been pure when he gave his life to Christ, but his motives were contaminated soon thereafter. He wanted the power of God without a commitment to purity before God. Simon wanted to purchase the ability to lay hands on people in order for them to 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. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.'” Acts 8:20-22 (NIV)
God wants to use you in His redemptive activity. God wants you to permeate His love and radiate His light. However, God does not honor impure motives.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV)
Stay close and clean!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care