Acts 5:1-11

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”… Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Thought:

In this passage of scripture, we find a married couple selling property and saying they gave the resources for others’ good. During this time, the Christian church in Jerusalem was a close-knit family. Many would sell their possessions and land so that those that did not have would not go hungry. They saw the needs of all.

However, this particular couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a possession, something that belonged to them. Something they were not required to sell. However, for whatever reason, they sold and held back part of it but said they gave it all. They lied, and this grieved the Holy Spirit. At this time in history, God judged them guilty of their sins. The consequence was death. Thus, God made them an example to the church.

When I first heard this story almost 40 years ago, it pulled at my heart. Why did they lie? Were they looking for recognition, saying they did a pious act of benevolence? Why didn’t their actions align with what they said?

Then I turned it around and asked myself some questions. Am I honest with God? Do I confess my sins to God? If I lie to others, will I lie to God?

What I have found through these many years is that you can’t hide anything from God. He knows our thoughts. He sees our actions. He knows if we are not aligned with Him and walking with Satan. I have tried my best to do the things I know that please, God. However, there are times I have fallen short. Yet, I have chosen not to lie to God and pretend that I’ve done it right when I know I haven’t.

Although, I know I won’t fall and die because I sin, tell I lie. I know that I don’t want my spirit to become tainted and dark within. Realizing that I will die spiritually instead of being enriched by the holy spirit within if I lie to

God. I don’t want to deny the omniscience of the Holy Spirit; He is worthy of my obedience. I know that God expects His children to honor Him in all that we do.

My Prayer:

Great God, Yahweh, thank You for this truth in the book of James. Thank You for letting me know what is righteous and that I should align with it. I will follow You. I am committed to not sinning in Your eyes. Forgive me, Father, for the times I have fallen, yet You forgave me and restored me in You. I don’t want to do what is wrong. I desire to serve You with my whole heart. I am working daily to not turn from Your ways. I realize that all I need is in You. Thank You for keeping me in this dark world and shining Your light in my soul. I am strong in You, and Your strength is sufficient to get me through and help me stay postured in You. I bask in Your greater glory in my life. Amen