“Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!" Acts 8:20These words are more pertinent today than ever before.
In this specific instance, Peter shouts this to Simon because this would make all the work of God be just for his own glory, not that of God or even of the growing church. I do feel, though, that this response speaks even louder on a broader context: God is not restricted to a single social class.
In today's society, there are lots of things that cost money. Higher education, particularly for my generation, is quite expensive, and sometimes can seem to be reserved for people belonging to a certain pay bracket. Housing is another expense. And, still, healthcare here in the United States is terribly expensive, even with these controversial aids to make it more affordable, There are even churches - yes, you read correctly, churches - that demand so much money just to become a member, or at least to be in a supposed communion with God: pay this amount, and God will bless you. But, we have this situation where Peter says that God cannot be bought.
Another issue we face is the fact that money speaks louder than ever. We have politics that are driven by the flow of money, from corporate sponsoring to individual spending. The richest nations dictate which way the money flows and which policies are correct and not. We even have churches that can only be heard when they have the money to spend on a radio station, TV station, or even a megaphone.
I find all of this to be scary, because I am not a person of wealth. I know that I am by no means the poorest guy out there, but I still feel somewhat powerless against this wind that money blows. However, when I read that God cannot be bought, I find comfort, because I know that God is reaching out just for me, for free.
