How can we guard against treating God's gifts as commodities like Simon did? Spotting the Commodity Mindset • Acts 8:18—“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.” • Simon treated the Spirit’s power like merchandise—something to buy, own, and control. • Warning signs today: – Measuring ministry success in dollars or social media metrics. – Treating spiritual gifts as résumé boosters. – Linking generosity to personal gain (“If I give, God must bless me materially”). Remembering the Giver, Not Just the Gift • James 1:17—“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” • 1 Corinthians 2:12—“We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” • Focus first on the character of God—generous, unchanging, holy—so the gifts never eclipse the Giver. Receiving Freely, Giving Freely • Matthew 10:8—“Freely you have received; freely give.” • The apostles refused Simon’s money because grace is unpurchasable. • Practical safeguards: – Refuse to monetize your spiritual influence. – Offer prayer, counsel, and service without strings attached. – Celebrate testimonies that highlight God’s generosity, not human achievement. Keeping Motives Pure • 1 Timothy 6:6–10—“Godliness with contentment is great gain… For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” • Examine heart motives before engaging in any ministry: – Is Christ or personal platform at the center? – Would you still serve if no one noticed? • Invite trusted believers to speak into areas where ambition or greed may lurk. Practicing Stewardship and Generosity • 1 Peter 4:10—“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Stewardship mindset shifts us from owners to managers of God’s property. • Action points: – Tithe and give generously, breaking money’s grip. – Share resources, time, and talents for others’ benefit, not profit. – Celebrate others’ gifting; avoid envy that fuels commodification. Living in Repentance and Humility • Acts 8:22—Peter’s counsel to Simon: “Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.” • Ongoing repentance keeps the heart soft and receptive. • Humility reminds us that every spiritual privilege—from salvation to gifting—is a blood-bought grace, never a marketable product. |
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