Acts 8:9-25 NKJV

[9] But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, [10] to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” [11] And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. [12] But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. [13] Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. [14] Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, [15] who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. [16] For as yet, He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, [19] saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! [21] You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. [22] Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. [23] For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” [24] Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” [25] So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

I grew up in church, believing that I could earn my way into Heaven. I could do enough good and avoid enough bad to get me there. My destination was predicated on my behavior. If I follow a works-based belief system, every spiritual gift comes with a price tag attached. Simon was caught up in thinking the same way. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Salvation and spiritual gifts are free, but they do come with an associated cost... just not in the way most people think.

I can't be good enough. I can't do enough good works. I can't give enough money, time, or resources. It isn't about what I give, but what I am willing to give up.

Since I started this journey, I have had to give up on my selfish wants. I have to give up my "me time" and spend time with God. I have to continually give up on my prideful attitude and my rotten, self-centered heart posture. God doesn't need my money. He wants my obedience and my undivided attention.

We can't buy the things we can't afford, but we have a Father who freely gives priceless gifts to His children. Salvation through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit are two of the greatest gifts anyone could ever want.