Money can’t buy everything
by Sean Hotinski
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God (Acts 8:21).
Read Acts 8:1b–13
Yesterday, we heard of Simon the Magician’s conversion to Christianity. In today’s devotion, we hear of his quick spiral into confusion. When Simon saw Peter and John giving people the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, he offered them money to ‘purchase’ this gift so that he could do likewise.
Peter was furious in response and sharply rebuked him. ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!’ (Acts 8:20). These are probably the harshest words of Peter. Perhaps Peter learned for himself the value of a sharp rebuke when Jesus said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ after Peter tried to convince Jesus to avoid the cross (Mark 8:33). Now, it’s Peter’s turn to correct someone’s error: we cannot purchase anything of God with money.
Sometimes, unfortunately, we can be a bit like Simon. It’s easy to think that money can solve all our problems in the church. For example, we might think that just by giving financially, the church’s ministry and mission will sort itself out. It’s true some genuinely can only help this way (due to health problems or other reasons), and their service is something we thank God for. The problem arises when money becomes the solution in people’s minds rather than our Holy Spirit-led evangelism or acts of service, even when we’re capable of it. But Peter taught Simon a valuable lesson: money can’t buy everything. The Holy Spirit is a free gift of God. Sure, the Spirit can use ‘our’ money to the glory of God and the furthering of his work, but never to buy faith and the works of Christ. Those are free, undeserved gifts of God’s grace, which no amount of money could ever be enough to purchase.
Ultimately, the key focus in life must always be following our Lord Jesus Christ in faith. That is where we begin with solving problems in the church and the Christian life. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not lean on your own understanding (or money!). Trust that as you follow Jesus, he will make the path clear in life.
Lord Jesus Christ, you know all things. Forgive me for the times when I think money can solve my problems and the problems of the church. Forgive me for all the times when I don’t go to you first and foremost in all my troubles or worries. Guide me in the path you want me to take in life. Make me the person you want me to be. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.
Sean Hotinski is from Perth, Western Australia. He is currently in Adelaide with his wife, Olya, studying to be a pastor and is doing vicarage at St Paul Lutheran Church, Blair Athol. In his spare time, Sean enjoys reading and studying the Bible, looking into Christian apologetics, game design, and going on walks.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
