[James Griffin]

Many are familiar with the child’s game Simon says. Quite simply, you are to do everything Simon says without question and are thrown out of the game the first time you follow a command without first being told to perform it by Simon. The winner is the last one in the game who has instantly followed everything Simon said, but has not done a single thing without that magic incantation “Simon says” preceding it.


It can be strongly argued that the grown up Christian version of Simon says has has infiltrated the modern church. The basis of this ideology is Simony, and it is straight from the pits of hell. For those unfamiliar with the term, in Acts Chapter 8 Simon Magnus, a reformed sorcerer, saw the Holy Ghost given and miracles performed through the laying on of hand of the Apostles, then he offered them money to teach him their secrets. Simon was cursed and the term Simony (namely a for-profit prophet) was born. There are few things more offensive to God than man's attempt to use what is holy for temporal gain.


We are living in an hour in which men have merchandised the movements and manifestations of the supernatural power of God, thus creating their "own" big business. They promote a desire to pursue the blessings instead of the Blessor and they themselves have sold out for money. There is nothing new about this practice. In the Middle Ages the grace of God was reduced to a means of monetary gain by the sale of indulgences, special papers blessed by the Pope. When these were purchased, they supposedly brought special saving grace to the owner. It was the sale of such indulgences that sparked righteous indignation in a monk named Martin Luther and helped lead to what we now commonly refer to as the Great Reformation. Yet, today the witchcraft of Simony has reached epidemic proportions in the American church.


Money is unique in its nature. Money is essentially amoral, much like television or guns. It is merely an instrument which holds potential for either curses or blessings, depending upon how it is used by its possessor. However, money has a unique spiritual characteristic, it is revelatory in nature. It amplifies and reveals the true character of its possessor. To one not totally sold out to God money is self-empowerment (instead of depending on God), money is freedom to do what you will (the first sin of Lucifer- “I will”), and perhaps most important to Americans, money is sexy. Just possess an American Express Gold card and a few million dollars in the bank, then see how you instantly become exponentially more attractive! The deification of money is referred to in the Bible as Mammon and once bitten by the "spirit" of Mammon that person can never possess enough. Even perversion of the purpose and power of the gospel will be used by those who play this game of Simon says.


In America we have preachers explaining to American audiences that they DO NOT mention the Blood of Christ or the Cross of Calvary because “it might offend some viewers and we feel it necessary to reach as large a demographic as possible”! Meanwhile, during the broadcast of their motivational “talks” they are advertising their latest book, or tickets to their next lecture.


There is a plethora of preachers who promote a false “prosperity” gospel, where Simon says “just send me your seed money and God will make you rich”. Paul warned of those who had corrupt minds and think of the gospel as a means to financial gain. It is crime enough that they shamelessly flaunt wealth, and openly discuss their mansions, planes, and multi-million dollar car collections, but now Simon says if you were a good Christian you too should be rich and increased with goods. The Bible does say that God wants his people to prosper; however, these are not wealthy because of the tithes and offerings of a blessed local assembly. More often than not, it is through the use of telethons where they make unconscionable promises of wealth which will come by merely “sowing seed” (sending them money). Simon says. So they do.


America has even begun to export this sorcery. Recently a news article released by Reuter’s news service reports a world renowned televangelist holding a crusade in Kampala Uganda. The article went on to say the locals noted the methodology and had started holding smaller crusades where they would demand money in order to pray for things such as healing. According to the article the minimum suggested “donation” for a healing prayer was 100,000 Ugandan shillings, or about $62.50. (A fortune in a country where the minimum wage is approximately 6,000 shillings a month). Money for miracles.


One of the primary goals of a New Apostolic Revival should be exorcising the spirit of Simony from the church body. This will prompt the return of seeking God's face for spiritual blessings instead of material ones. We are a nation where Christian prayer has become just another form of idolatry; instead of prayers for souls, personal holiness or even just spending time communing with God, we are reduced to presenting Him with our daily list of wants. Most treat God as some sort of talisman or good luck charm placed on a shelf in their home and for prayer time they take it down, rub its belly while chanting “Jesus” and reciting their wish list; then place it back on the shelf. All the while they forget the admonition and commandment of Christ Jesus, “seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added”.


There is a godly teaching on finances. God does wish to supernaturally bless the personal finances of the Christian. And it does take money to finance missions and ministries. God’s plan for this finance will be through Kingdom Entrepreneurs. God’s desire is to bless the commerce of His children that are in alignment with His will.


(cont)