Your heart
The heart is one of the most protected organs in the body. It is the organ that keeps the entire body running. It is also in its figurative form the most important. It is the define as; “the centre and seat of spiritual life; the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours” BLB. The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart. It is where all the wisdom is stored as noted in Solomon’s case( 1Kg3:12), it where a man’s state of being either good or bad resides (Lk8:15) and it is where the thoughts reside sometimes accusing or defending him (Ro2:15). The scriptures say that as a man thinks that’s how he is (Prv23:7).
Acts 8:20-23
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Simon’s precondition of his heart with the thought of monetary power revealed his unchanged heart. Because this power was given by the laying of hands from the apostles; man, the thought that Peter and John might need money lured him to offer it in exchange for the power. But, the power of God has a priceless tag that no amount of money can buy, and that is why it is free. Peter and John ran across this lame man by which the free gift of God healed with no purchase necessary (Acts3:6). Before the gift of God can be received there needs to be a regenerated heart, and it can not be hardened (Ez36:26). Simon’s heart was like stone that it repelled everything that came to it. Like as in the Pharisees whose hearts were filled with evil thoughts (Mt9:4), so were Simon’s. Even though Simon was baptized and was following the preaching of the gospel through Phillip, there was one thing that needed to change and that was his heart. The Psalmist prays and says “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (ps51:10).
1Kings 3:12
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
verse 2
verse 3
Romans 2:15
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
verse 4
Proverbs 23:7
7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Acts 3:6
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Ezekiel 36:26
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Matthew 9:4
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?