In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira pretended to be generous in front of their fellow Christians. Big noting themselves. Looking good. “Hey, we sold some land too and here’s all the money.” Aren’t we good.
Secretly they kept back some of it for themselves. Well, that’s okay…it was theirs anyways.
But the deceitfulness of saying they gave all when in fact they had not.
God judged this and they paid with their very life! A lesson learned by the early church.
It’s easy to read and skip over this and casually think that I wouldn’t do that! But then how many times have we done similar things. Have we lied to the gathered believers?
“How’s it going?”… Awesome, great thanks.
“Are you keeping up with the daily Bible readings?”… Never missed one.
“Will you pray for my situation this week?” Sure, I’ll pray.
Like me, as you begin to think of the glib answers we can sometimes say when asked a myriad of questions, you will spot a few that don’t always have truthful responses.
Then, are we any different to Ananias and Sapphira?
Scary to think if God decided one day to make an example when we are gathered together.
“No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.” Acts 5:13
No pretenders or halfhearted followers risked being identified with this gathering of believers… and yet in the very next verse…
“Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.” Acts 5:14
Being in genuine fellowship with one another, being truly honest and open to one another is an act of love. A very high value on God’s agenda. And this also creates an environment that is very appealing and attractive. God certainly wants it to be so.
Prayer: Lord, it is a sobering thought that You take integrity so seriously. Help me to be truthful, honest and to speak with integrity. Be gracious with me and Holy Spirit please prompt me gently when I am tempted to fall in this area. In Jesus Name I ask it. Amen