Commercialization of the Holy Spirit

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. [Acts 8.14-17]

"Only" baptized in the name of Jesus?

What more was there? Apparently the Holy Spirit and, His presence seems to have come through the laying on of hands.

I am intrigued by all this today. With all the talk I have made over the insufficiency of the Church today, naturally this topic is near to my heart.

The power of God is manifested in the Holy Spirit. But what does the laying on of hands have to do with this? It would seem perhaps that the laying on of hands has everything to do with anointing. Laying hands on another believer is a transference of that anointing from one to another.

We see a lot of laying on of hands in today's Church, but why don't we see more of the power of God?

Could it be because it has all become so commercial? Look at the very next verses following the text above:

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!” [Acts 8.18-19]

Let me just say that when money gets involved, things often go sideways!

Think about it... So much of the Gospel today quickly becomes financial. My point is clearly seen in the fact that as soon as a church or spiritual leader develops quite a following, the first thing that happens is a book is written, study guides are developed, seminars are scheduled and the money starts to flow!

Shouldn't we step back and at least review this?

If commercialization comes to mind when we think of the power of Holy Spirit, then our money will perish with us! If the first thing we think of when God moves (because of something we taught or sang) is getting published, then I believe we have missed the point. We are to seek first the Kingdom of God - not the money!

So, back on track,.the transfer of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands is not a commercial transaction. It is real and it is valid for believers, but it will not be commercialized and remain powerful. And, I think that is why we see so little of it today.

I am overwhelmed with this right now.

Father, help me to process what You have put on my heart today and evaluate my own motivation in ministry...