Acts 5:1-2
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Every time I read this account of Ananias and Sapphira, I always have to consider what had preceded it. In the previous chapter we are told that Barnabas had sold a field he owned and brought the money from the field and laid it at the apostle’s feet.
I can only conjecture that Ananias and Sapphira saw what Barnabas had done and wanted to copy his actions . . . only without giving their all. It may have been noble to give a gift to the work of the early church, but they were guilty of deception.
Peter told Ananias that he had not lied to man, but to God and the Holy Ghost. Their actions resulted in their deaths. It is not safe to try to deceive the Holy Spirit. Not only does He know our actions, He knows our heart as well.
As you examine your walk with the Lord, are you being totally honest? This is not restricted to financial giving, but can also include our time and our talents. Do we give more to ourselves or the world than we offer to God? May God reveal our motives that drive our actions!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil