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By R.A. Mathews

Is it a universal need? Does everyone have a desire to accomplish something with their life? 

I knew a woman, 90 years old, who said, “I’ve lived my life in vain.” 

An anonymous 15-year-old boy wrote online, “I want to be someone because I want to be happy with myself … ,” He defined that as reaching his unique goal.

It was a heartfelt response.

Many seek fame or fortune. That’s their life’s goal.

A friend sent me a cartoon last week. According to Google, it’s by Dan Snow on X, Nov. 22, 2022. The cartoon shows an old man writing at a desk with a quill pen. It’s dated c. 43 BCE and attributed to Cicero, who says, “Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book.”

That’s funny because it’s true. 

And why not? J.K. Rowling’s welfare story proves it—write a book, make a billion. Indeed, you can open an account with Amazon, fill in the blanks on several screens, upload your manuscript and cover, and then voila—your book is suddenly available for purchase worldwide.

Worldwide!

Lack the story or cover? 

Don’t you worry. Artificial intelligence can whip that up by noon. You’ll soon be a cool, wealthy author.

Except, depending on whom you ask, two to four million books are published each year, and few sell many copies. What’s bought is often porn or horror.

“Stay at it,” the popular Facebook group 20BooksTo50K says. “You just need a series—more books.” When that doesn’t work, sadness sets in.

There’s a certain magician in the Bible, Simon of Samaria, who wanted to be special. Here’s his story.

“Now a man named Simon had previously been practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; and all the people, from small to great, were paying attention to him” (Acts 8:9-10, NASB).

Simon took notice of the Apostle Philip when Philip arrived in Samaria and began preaching and healing the people. Scripture says the whole city began celebrating:

“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming the Christ to them. The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing… many who had been paralyzed or limped on crutches were healed. So, there was much rejoicing in that city” (Acts 8:5-8, NASB).

As a result of Philip’s preaching, the multitude was baptized including Simon the magician. Scripture says, “But when they believed Philip as he was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. Now even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed” (Acts 8:12-13, NASB).

When news of Philip’s ministry reached Jerusalem, two apostles arrived in Samaria to lay hands on the new believers. This also caught Simon’s attention.

“Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John… that they would receive the Holy Spirit…  Then (Peter and John) began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 8:14-19, NASB).

Peter’s response wasn’t friendly. He said, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.” (Acts 8:20-21, NASB)

Simon just wanted to be special. 

But Simon wasn’t right with the Lord. In fact, Peter saw that Simon was angry and ungodly, and Peter said, “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of unrighteousness.” (Acts 8:23, NASB)

Even though Simon had come to believe in Jesus, Simon didn’t seek God’s direction. Scripture says you can set your intention, but it’s God who determines the path. (Proverbs 16:9)

Before whipping up that book or pursuing another path promising fame or fortune, stop and ask what you’d do if you had a million dollars? Like the anonymous 15-year-old, what goal would make you truly happy? 

God placed a hunger deep inside your soul. Don’t plot your course without going to the Lord and letting Him guide you. 

Be someone in God’s eyes. Find your life’s work with Him.

The Rev. Mathews (BA, MDiv, JD) is a newspaper faith columnist and the author of the Reaching to God series and the mystery Emerald Coast: The Vendetta.  Copyright © 2024 R.A. Mathews.