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.”

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 in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
Acts 8: 18-22

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Simon was a well known magician who often entertained the people with his sorcery and tricks. He was so good that people were amazed and gave him significant titles like the “Great Power of God”. He even grew a following because of how captivating he was (8:11). 

When he heard the Gospel, believed and was baptized, he saw receiving the Holy Spirit as a way to elevate his career. I’m sure he thought that kind of power could boost his skills so that people would think he was even greater. He saw a gift that was freely available to anyone who believed in Jesus as something he could capitalize on for his own benefit. You may think Peter’s response to Simon in today’s Scripture is harsh, but you must remember that Peter and John were part of the group that not only walked with Jesus but also saw His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. They witnessed Jesus’s agony and looked at His face when He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:37). They saw the suffering Jesus endured on Calvary and how much it cost Him to make receiving the Holy Spirit even possible. In other words, Peter understood the value of the Spirit’s presence, and it was priceless. 

It can be tempting to read about someone like Simon and immediately feel disappointed in his behavior. But if we’re honest, we’ll recognize we are not immune to taking credit for that which belongs to God. I’m no stranger to receiving glory, worship and praise from others that rightfully belong only to God. 

Over the years, God has grown and developed me as a worship leader, and I am so grateful. In the early years of my leadership, I would pray for God to help me remember all the lyrics, the melodies, and that I would sing all the right notes. I prayed such prayers because God deserves the best (which is true), but also because I wanted to look good on stage. It wasn’t until years later when God revealed to me what He called me to do—to lead His people to Him and to declare the truth and love of God through song—that I could release my need to look good.

Now, when I talk with people after church, their only comments are how the Lord spoke to them during worship. That’s what God wants—to use us for His glory. Am I able and willing to allow God to use me in powerful ways that point the glory and praise back to Him and not myself? Are you?

Next Steps

Take some time to reflect on that last question today. How quick are you to ensure God gets all the glory? Are you prone to wanting the glory for yourself? No judgement; we’re all on a journey. Take your honest answer to God, and ask Him to lead you closer to Him.