Today's Daily Lesson comes from Acts chapter 8 verses 18 through 22:
18Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ 20But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! 21You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you."
We ask for pure hearts and motivations, and pray that God will cleanse us from all jealousies and vanity in what we do. For why we do something is just as important, and even more, than what we do. And there are so many who get involved with so many things out of selfish ambitions, vain conceit, and a desire to have the ego fed, and/or our wallets padded.
Earlier this week a pastor whom I used to respect a great deal reported to prison. He was pastor of one of the largest Protestant churches in America, and well regarded around the country. But somehow along the way he got caught up in a scheme that ended up bilking a lot of his parishioners out of a whole lot of money. It was painful to read about, and Peter's words about repentance are hard, but still hopeful words to read in the context.
There was forgiveness available for Simon, but also consequence, as his sin has come down to us all through the ages with his name attached: simony.
We do pray for pure motives, and like Peter, the eyes to see when someone wishes us to sell our souls. It's not always quite so obvious -- until suddenly it's synonymous with our own names.
Dear Lord, lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil -- especially the evil within our own selves.
Ryon Price is Senior Pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
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