In Acts chapter 8, we see the story of Simon the Sorcerer. Simon was watching as Peter and John laid their hands on new believers. Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given as the apostles laid hands - and he desired that power.

18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19“Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 8:18-19, NLT)

What Simon desired wasn’t an evil thing. Like many believers today, Simon desired to have the Holy Spirit. But even though Simon desired a good thing, his motives for wanting it were polluted.

20But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (Acts 8:20-23, NLT)

Peter recognized that Simon the Sorcerer wanted the power of the Holy Spirit for selfish reasons. Peter could also discern that Simon was filled with jealousy. He was jealous of the power that Peter and John carried. He was jealous of how the people were affected by that power. He was jealous of how others looked to the apostles with such awe and honor.

And so Simon offered to buy the power of God. He didn’t want to be used by God; He wanted to use God to make himself important.

There’s danger in polluted motives.

We who are in ministry must never allow ourselves to be overcome by jealous ambition. If you see the success of others as a threat, you need to purify your motives. If you secretly hope your fellow believer fails, you need to purify your motives. If you want to grow your ministry simply to up your status, you need to purify your motives.

Remember, God has created you uniquely. God doesn’t have to take from you in order to give to others. The success of others in no way takes away from God’s favor upon your life. But do you know what does? Impure motives. So rest in who you are in Christ. Don’t compete with others, celebrate them. Keep your heart pure, and focus on the simple joy of pleasing the Lord.

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