The story of Simon the sorcerer is filled with great lessons for all charismatic believers who think the things of the Spirit can be bought. Mercantile spirit in ministry thrives on the ignorance of those who think spiritual things can be bought with money instead of paying the price for it.

Simon the sorcerer saw how Peter and John laid hands on the people and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. He loved what he saw and wanted the power to perform the same act, he offered money just to have the same power. Thank God for Peter's response.

But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! (20).

Implying that God's gift cannot be bought. In fact, any virtue that flows from God cannot be bought with money. Let this sink in properly. If Peter had collected money from Simon, he could have opened a "magic centre" calling it a miracle centre. He will pray for people in Jesus name and charge them for it.

I once heard about a prayer house where they charge for prayers. I heard about those that sell special annointing oil. Gullible people rush to buy those items thinking there'll be a transference of virtues through them.

Some might argue that it works. The name of the demon that has kept people in bondage to anti biblical practices is "It works". That something is working does not necessarily mean God is involved.

Power of God cannot be bought with money. It is given by God to every of his children but consecration is the key to operating in it not money. This is the price holy men paid to walk in power.

The power of God is not a commodity up for sale in the market. Anywhere you see people place a monetary price tag on God's power, just know that God is not involved. In the kingdom, it is forbidden to sell what we receive by grace.