“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.” Acts 8:9-13
There’s the real thing, and then there’s the cheap imitation. Ever bought a knock-off product? Maybe you bought a perfume or cologne that was the imitation version of a brand you liked because it was a lot cheaper. Maybe it lasted just as long, but most likely it didn’t. Either you get the real thing or you don’t. You have to decide how you want to spend your money.
Simon the Sorcerer was a fake. He was able to do cheap tricks that fooled the people into thinking he had the power of God - but it was a lie. He lived in the neighborhood of make-believe - and he knew it. But when Philip came with the real power of God, Simon saw what that power was really like. He knew what he was doing was a lie, but what Philip had was the real thing. He saw what the power of God could do, how it changed lives, and he wanted to be a part of the kingdom.
Just like the others in Samaria, Simon believed in the power of God and repented of his sins, believing in the name of Jesus and was baptized. He then followed Philip, joining him on his journeys. Simon was able to give his own testimony of how the power of God changed his life, removing him from living a lie to living in the truth. Don’t live a lie when the truth is right there in front of you. Let the power of God change you, too. Let God’s power change your life so you can be amazed at the changes it can bring.