Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ‘
(Acts 5:3)
We all know about the story of Ananias and Sapphira; the couple that lied to Peter about the actual price of their property and died as a result. I really do hope they made it to heaven because I honestly want to ask them why?
While we are still in this world however, I can think of a couple of reasons why they probably acted the way they did. We will discuss this reasoning over the next couple of days and see what we can learn from them for our lives as well.
First, I think Ananias and Sapphira were likely motivated by a desire to receive recognition and admiration from the church. In the preceding chapter, we read about the selfless generosity of Barnabas, who sold a piece of property and donated the proceeds to the church to support those in need. Seeing Barnabas’ commendable act, Ananias and Sapphira may have felt compelled to follow suit, not out of genuine generosity, but out of a desire to maintain their reputation and status among their fellow believers.
Their fatal mistake was their attempt to present themselves as more generous than they truly were. Instead of being transparent about the portion of proceeds they intended to contribute, they conspired to deceive the apostles and the church by falsely claiming to have given the entire sum. In doing so, they fell into the trap of pride and comparison, seeking the praise of man rather than the approval of God.
As believers, we must guard against the temptation to compare ourselves to others and to seek validation from people. Instead of striving to impress others with our outward acts of righteousness, we should cultivate genuine humility and sincerity of heart before God. Remember the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:12, which say ‘…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise”
May we seek to please God rather than people, offering our gifts and talents with sincerity and integrity, knowing that our true reward comes from Him alone.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart, acknowledging the dangers of pride and comparison. Help me to guard against the temptation to seek recognition and approval from others, and instead, help me to live my life in obedience to your will. Grant me the grace to cultivate genuine humility and sincerity, that my actions may be pleasing in your sight. Keep me from the snare of hypocrisy, and lead me in the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name.
