Motives
- Leila Hakizimana
- Nov 28, 2024
- 2 min read
“And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Acts 8,18-21(NKJV)
Psalms 89,20(KJV) says: “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him”.
‘Anointing is for servants’. The anointing here represents the Holy Spirit upon a person. This anointing is expressed with power. This is what Jesus was telling his disciples to wait for: “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24,49 ESV). The promise of the Father was the Holy Spirit. This is what Simon saw on Peter in Acts 8. Coming from a background of practicing sorcery and magic, he may have thought “this power” was just another power he could gain to increase “his importance” in Samaria. But the things of God are done and given in order!
To God, motivation matters.
“And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” Matthew 14,14 (NKJV)
Jesus healed the sick because He had compassion for them. He multiplied bread and fed thousands because he had compassion for them. Jesus never performed a miracle to show off or to prove himself. Satan even tempted Him to do so, but He didn't. (Matthew 4,3-4)
Children of God have privileges and rights. But these privileges are applicable within certain boundaries: the boundaries of God’s commands.
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” 1 Peter 2,16 (NIV)
Yes, there are liberties of faith. But faith without love, faith without wisdom won’t work.
Let your motivation be LOVE: Love for God and for his people.
