What Money Cannot Buy

Can money buy everything? Money is needed to buy certain things. But there are also certain things which money can't buy.

Acts 8 talks about Philip preaching in Samaria. Verse 6 says, “And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.” And the next verse is so beautiful. It says, “And there was a great joy in the city.”

My grandma is the most loving and selfless person I have on earth. Oh, I am not exaggerating. I have never seen her thinking badly of even people who treated her badly. But years back, she was affected by paralysis, and she went through physiotherapy sessions for months together to function as before. And when I read this, I thought how good it would be if Philip was here. If such things happen even today in our ministries, wouldn't it bring great joy to our whole family? Also, when the verse says there was joy in the city, it was because of the Spirit. This joy is from the Lord, not from money!

Then I continued to read to find out about someone to whom this grace and privilege was refused when asked. It was Simon, who was baptized by Philip when he decided to accept Christ. He thought he could buy these gifts of the Holy Spirit by giving money. In verse 20, we can see Peter answering him thus: “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased.” Peter further called him to repent and said he was poisoned with bitterness and bound in iniquity.

Hey friend, one thing is clear: God can use us when He sees that our heart is not after money. Simply put, money can't buy God's gift, which is needed to serve Him. The Bible chose to record about such people who are after God's heart and His mission.

May heaven record our lives and add us to that list.

Dear God, may our eyes be fixed always on Your loving gaze. Thank You for graciously giving us the Holy Spirit, God. May we always put our hearts in obedience unto Him. May we be like Philip, bringing joy to the entire city. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.