In Acts 8:9-23 we read the story of a sorcerer whose name was Simon. He was popular in Samaria and was regarded as a great one because of the supernatural feats he performed to the amazement of everyone who cared to see.

However, when Philip, an evangelist of Jesus Christ appeared in the scene, Simon’s sorcery was shown for what they were – sorcery, fake and unable to compete with the original that comes from heaven. Bewildered by Philip’s display of miracles and signs, Simon “believed” and was even baptised.

As believers in Samaria grew, Peter and John were sent to consolidate the work Philip was doing. As these apostles laid hands on the believers, they immediately received the Holy Spirit. Simon, who had confessed to be saved and baptised could have well received the Holy Ghost like others, but he came and gently offered money in exchange for the Spirit’s baptism. This is already evidence that he was not truly saved. Furthermore, it shows that he considered the Holy Spirit of equal value to whatever amount he was offering.

On the surface, the mouth (request) of Simon seemed genuine because one would say that if he was willing to spend his hard-earned money to get something that is supposedly free, then he must really be desirous of this great gift. Unlike other believers who knelt to receive freely, Simon was willing to pay cash for a gift. That was so simon-pure.

But when Peter was rebuking him, he talked about the thoughts of Simon’s heart because, inasmuch as the words seemed genuine, his heart wasn’t. His thoughts were to receive something pure in an impure heart with impure motives. He was being pretentiously or hypocritically pure.

If he had gotten the Holy Spirit and the ability to perform miracles at a monetary price, he would go on to monetise whatever ministrations he would offer anyone. He already made a lot of money from his sorcery business. So, nothing would stop him from asking his clients to pay to receive the Holy Ghost and other related gifts. He was a businessman who simply wanted to make the most out of an opportunity he had seen.

Sometimes people say things that are in dissonance with what their heart says. If you were to peer into their heart, you would discover that while their necks are bent and their words sound respectful, their hearts are haughty and their spiritual hands holding a dagger.

As natural humans, it is easy to succumb to the well of emotions that such physical gestures arouse. But as supernatural humans, we can ask God’s Spirit to help us see the man behind the mask. And just as he helped Peter, he will help us identify intentions beyond confessions.

Intentions (or the heart) outweigh what comes out of your mouth. God weighs intentions and answers to the same.