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)
Why else would Ananias and Sapphira do such a horrible thing? Over the past couple of days, we came up with some theories – they were either captured by a tendency for competition or their love for money. What else could have gone wrong?
Clearly, Ananias and Sapphira’s gravest mistake was treating God with contempt by lying to the Holy Spirit. They sought to deceive the apostles and the church community by pretending to give the full proceeds from the sale of their property while actually withholding a portion for themselves. On the surface, their actions seem to have demonstrated a lack of honesty, but it reveals something deeper – a disregard for the holiness of God. They thought this was about the church members and the apostles, they didn’t account for God in that equation. Yet, God sees everything.
As believers, we are called to honour God in all that we do, including our words and actions. We must recognize that God sees and knows everything, and we cannot hide anything from Him. Proverbs 15:3 reminds us that “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” We cannot deceive God or the people of God without facing consequences.
Ananias and Sapphira’s sin went beyond withholding money. It was a deliberate act of hypocrisy, where they tried to appear as something they were not. They sought to maintain a façade of generosity and spirituality while harbouring deceit in their hearts. In doing so, they dishonoured God and brought judgement upon themselves.
As followers of Christ, we must cultivate a spirit of integrity and honesty in all areas of our lives. We must act with transparency and truthfulness, knowing that God desires sincerity and authenticity from His children. We must conduct ourselves with reverence for God, knowing that He is holy and deserving of our utmost respect.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have treated you with contempt by acting deceitfully and dishonestly. Help me to cultivate a spirit of integrity and reverence for you in all that I do. Give me the strength to live a life of integrity and honour, both in public and in private. In Jesus name.
