Ok. Let's summarize what happened to Simon so far. He was obviously lost in his sin with a worldview of life. Then he heard the good news and believed, becoming a follower of Jesus. He was baptized and received the Holy Spirit. Wow ! It seems God had really transformed Simon ! Now, what happens next? Simon says to the apostles , "Hey guys-- If I give you some money, will you show me that trick, so I can lay my hands on people and do that too?" Simon then received a scolding rebuke from Peter . Peter said, "... your heart is not right before God. Therefore, repent of the wicked intentions of your heart... For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." Huh? Is this the same Simon? I thought God already done fixed his heart once already. Oh, that's right. Sanctification takes a long long long long time. Simon's old ways will continue for quite a long while, but he will surely be on the right path towards heaven. I often have too high of expectations of Christian friends and family, thinking they will always do the right thing or act in a loving manner. Only God will not disappoint. I once told my daughter that there will be times when I will disappoint her in my words or actions and I told her I was sorry in advance. I told her that I desperately want to behave just like Jesus, but the process of my sanctification can't be hurried or completed any faster by my own efforts. God is the author and perfector. He alone causes our spiritual maturation. I have discovered there is much peace in trusting in His sovereignty.
Even when I don't know, He does. What do you think?