From my reading in Acts 8:1-25 in the One Year New Testament.
One example of someone who had the wrong motivation for being used by God was a man named Simon.
He had a reputation for doing amazing things, but when Philip came the crowds started paying attention to him. Simon got jealous.
“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
Simon wanted to buy God’s power to draw the crowds back. That is a bad motivation.
Sometimes in ministry we want to do amazing things in order to impress people or make ourselves feel good. The apostles rebuked Simon harshly for his bad motivation.
“But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” Acts 8:20–23
We must make sure that our hearts are right when serving God.
Our motivation should be to love and glorify God. When we are jealous of others that shows that we may have a wicked prideful heart. Fortunately Simon seemed to respond well. Those of us who struggle with this issue would do well to humble ourselves as he did.
“Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!” Acts 8:24
Ask yourself, “What is my motivation for ministry?”
If you have been motivated by jealousy then repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord.
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