When Knowledge Becomes a Tool for Power: Overcoming the Temptation to Covet Influence
You can Overcome
In our quest for knowledge and influence, it’s easy to blur the lines between godly ambition and selfish desire. The desire to grow in wisdom and understanding is a good thing when pursued for the right reasons. But when that pursuit turns into a desire for power, control, or personal gain, we find ourselves treading dangerous ground. The Bible gives us a striking example of this in the story of Simon the Sorcerer, who sought to buy the power of the apostles for his own gain.
Simon the Sorcerer: Coveting Spiritual Influence
In Acts 8:18-19, we read about Simon, a magician who had amazed the people of Samaria with his sorcery. When Simon witnessed the apostles laying hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit, he coveted their spiritual power. He offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Simon’s desire was not to serve others or honor God—it was to elevate his own status and influence.
Peter rebuked Simon sharply, exposing his sinful heart. Peter said, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20). Simon’s mistake was seeking spiritual influence for personal gain, not for the advancement of God’s kingdom. This serves as a powerful warning: when we covet influence, we risk turning even desires for good things into selfish pursuits.
The Right Pursuit of Wisdom
The Bible encourages us to pursue wisdom, but our motives matter. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” God is eager to give us wisdom, but this wisdom is meant to equip us for service, not to elevate ourselves. It is for the good of others and for the glory of God.
Likewise, Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Wisdom is a gift from God, and it should be sought with humility and a heart for service. When we seek knowledge for the right reasons—to serve, to grow in godliness, and to bless others—we align ourselves with God’s purpose. But when we pursue knowledge or influence for selfish ambition, we find ourselves walking in the footsteps of Simon.
Service Over Self-Gain
True wisdom leads to service. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of this when He washed His disciples’ feet, teaching them that leadership and influence in God’s kingdom are rooted in humility and service, not in power or control. Mark 10:45 reminds us that “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
If we find ourselves coveting influence—whether it be in ministry, work, or relationships—we need to ask ourselves why. Are we seeking recognition, status, or control? Or are we genuinely seeking to serve others and glorify God with the gifts He has entrusted to us?
Practical Ways to Guard Against Coveting Knowledge and Influence
Examine Your Motives: Regularly ask yourself why you’re seeking knowledge or influence. Are your desires rooted in service, or are they driven by personal ambition?
Pray for Humility: Ask God to give you a heart of humility, especially as you grow in wisdom and influence. Pray for opportunities to use what you learn to serve others.
Seek Wisdom from God, Not the World: In a world that often values influence for the wrong reasons, be intentional about seeking godly wisdom. Saturate your mind with Scripture and biblical teachings that align with God’s heart for service.
Practice Servant Leadership: Use whatever influence or knowledge you have to lift others up, rather than seeking to advance yourself. Look for ways to serve, even in small or unseen roles.
Trust God with Influence: God is the one who gives wisdom, knowledge, and influence. Trust Him to open doors of opportunity when the time is right, and don’t manipulate situations to gain power for yourself.
Conclusion
The story of Simon the Sorcerer is a clear reminder of the danger of coveting influence or knowledge for personal gain. His desire to buy spiritual power exposed his misguided ambition, and it serves as a warning for us today. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue wisdom—but with hearts set on service, not self-gain.
When we align our pursuit of knowledge with God’s purpose, we experience the true joy of using our gifts for His glory. Let us seek wisdom with humility, trust God with influence, and commit to serving others as Christ has called us to do.
May we always remember that the pursuit of wisdom and influence in God’s kingdom is not about elevating ourselves, but about lifting up others and honoring God with everything we have.
