You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. (Acts 8:21)
Eric Liddell was born in Tientsin, China, to missionaries serving there. He was educated in England and became well-known for his athletic prowess in rugby. He played international rugby for Scotland but chose to excel in running. He trained for the 100 meters in the Paris Olympics not knowing the event would take place on a Sunday. His faith beliefs prohibited him from running on the Sabbath, so he ran the 400 meters, winning a gold medal, and the 200 meters, winning a bronze medal.
Liddell kept focused on his life goal of returning to China, where he became an effective missionary. During World War II, he was captured and imprisoned by the Japanese and during that time, he died of an inoperable brain tumor. His last written words were, “It’s complete surrender.”
Simon did not know complete surrender to Jesus Christ. Peter described Simon’s heart as “not right before God” and “captive to sin.” Simon wanted to pay Peter and John money for the ability to lay hands on others to receive the Holy Spirit. With his history of sorcery, he wanted this for his own power and financial gain. Peter asked Simon to pray for forgiveness, but there is no record that he did.
Do our personal goals of wealth, popularity, or status tug us from a heart tuned to God’s plan for our lives? Christ desires complete surrender.
Examine your personal goals to see if they’re in tune with God.
Gena Duncan is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and active in her local church. She enjoys bicycling and gardening.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
