When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!” [Acts 8.18-24]
Somehow it seems that Simon did not want the power to impart the Holy Spirit for others but for himself.
Pride and greed - the lust for all things for self - are at the root of all sin. I am really beginning to see that there was a reason Jesus instructed us to put others above ourselves. For when we put ourselves first, we are, in fact, lusting for ourselves. We are worshipping ourselves we our thoughts are for ourselves first.
Father, help us to get rid of our self-love and instead seek Your Kingdom first.
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