I don’t have a huge “bucket list,” but there are a few things I hope to experience on this side of eternity. My top ten includes watching the aurora borealis paint the sky directly above me, finally learning to ride a bike (yes, really), and hanging a mirror ball from my living room ceiling, much to my 12-year-old daughters’ dismay. An odd choice, sure, but it doesn’t surprise them in the least. I’m a shimmy-shaker from way, way back; honestly, I’ve always prioritized dancing at home. What I lack in skill I make up for in enthusiasm—again, much to my daughters’ dismay.
When I read Ananias and Sapphira’s story, I see enthusiasm, though for what is less clear. The husband and wife so wanted to be a part of the growing church that they sold their field and gave the earnings to the church—well, a portion of it. In theory, this is a very admirable act; one gospel-spreading Barnabas did the same (Acts 4:36–37). So, where did Ananias and Sapphira go wrong?
Sharing their resources is a good thing, and holding back some of the profits for themselves wouldn’t have been wrong, if they hadn’t promised it all. After seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, the amount of money shared was at the discretion of the individual, so no one’s hand was forced. Peter says as much when confronting Ananias in his lie: “Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal?” (Acts 5:4).
The lie was the thing; they were deceived by the enemy and agreed “to test the Spirit of the Lord” (v.9). Seeking the approval of their community, they told the apostles they’d given everything, while still holding back something for themselves. They tried to deceive God’s people, His church, who are the temple of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8;2:4;Ephesians 4:4–6). So in reality, the couple “lied [not] to people but to God” (Acts 5:4). Their offense, a bold lie, was an offense against God and God alone (Psalm 51:4). They valued the approval of others above obedience to their Holy God.
Jesus Himself cautioned, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Because He wants our wholehearted devotion, He values obedience and holiness. Ananias and Sapphira’s actions could’ve tainted the holiness of the early Church, leading people astray, but God would not allow it. He dealt with their sin, and a healthy, holy fear and reverence of the Lord was reaffirmed within His Church (Acts 5:11).
Our actions mirror and reflect what we value most, casting either shadow or light over our surroundings. So, it’s worth asking ourselves what we’re truly devoted to. Are we seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and obeying Him, or do we seek the approval of others first? Honest answers can lead to much-needed change in our lives, drawing us closer to God and keeping Him first on our ever-shifting list of priorities.
Loved this one today, and all the comments from you ladies. I have struggled with white lies for years,often as a coping mechanism to help deal with me chronic pain. To me it seemed easier than saying yet again that my pain was preventing me from living the life I wanted or promised. Father please remind me that just as my money is yours, so is my energy and ability. Help me too be honest with others and with you. Please give me wisdom to see truth and lies as black and white, not gray.
Karen I have two girls, 4th and 2nd grade and we have been homeschooling success the oldest was in kindergarten and experienced severe bullying, even with the teachers approval or so it seemed. Homeschooling is not for everyone but it is doable for almost all families, if they rearrange their priorities. I’d love to help you figure out if it can work for you. Did you speak yet to the other girls families? So many times at that age especially the group think comes on strong and encourages them to act corporately in a very different way than they were raised individually. I know, as a mom, I’d much rather know than not know. I’d suggest speaking to the moms first. Possibly even without telling your daughter until after. I’ll be praying for you both!
Thank you sisters for your encouragement to each other. It is a great motivator to me each day. Praying for you all.
Kara, thank you for such a thought provoking devotion! There’s just so much to take away and really pray about here today.
Sarah Joy: I really connected with your thoughts this morning…thank you for sharing.
Ladies, I am joining with you all in your prayer requests each day. Let us all remember: “ God is our abundant provider!”
Diana Davis. Th best teaching on the Holy Spirit I have found is the book “The Holy Spirit Today” by Dick Iverson. It is well worth your time and money to explain who the Holy Spirit is and the relationship He wishes to have with you through Scripture.
Karen, praying for your daughter right now. I work at a school. And this is something I do not like to see. I don’t see it often at our school but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. I had a student in my youth group small group who also feels alone at her big high school. My mothers heart aches with yours Karen. Praying for you sister. Praying for your daughter.
I have often wondered when I read about this why did it matter what they gave, but after reading this I understand now. They promised to give all the proceeds. All of it. But the fact that they held back and some for themselves was deceitful. They cared more about looking “good“ in front of others. I pray and seek my God, that I will always check my motives before doing something or making promises. Couple of days ago my son and I were having a conversation about promises. He said he doesn’t like to make promises because he fears not being able to keep them. But I reminded him that we are human and if he’s ever in the place where he cannot keep a promise, then he needs to be honest and let that person or persons know right away. I’m sure they would understand.
Kara’s question, “Are we seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and obeying Him, or do we seek the approval of others first?” isn’t that hard because I know that sometimes I’m devoted to God and Christ and other times the approval of others. I would like to say more often towards God and Christ but I know that it is the other way. Recently though I have been trying to change it. I have been watching less TV and spending less time on social media and more time either in the Word or reading Christian books that will help me.
By the way does anyone no of any good, if possible Christian based, motivational books — ones that will help motivate me to do the things I need to (clean and organize my apartment, work on my CEUs, etc.).
Thank you to all those praying for me and my family. Please continue to pray for my aunt and cousin.
Sisters, I have rambled enough, be blessed with the glorious Holy Spirit and spread the wonderful and great news of Christ our Savior. Halleluiah!!!!
I feel humbled by this morning’. I read the verses and my heart turned to judgement. Why would they lie over giving to the Lord? How could they ignore the Holy Spirit in this? Then, I read the devotional… But God, in his gentleness, nudged me out of that frame of mind by pointing out the millionth time my mind has wandered from a five minute devotional toward something that needs to be done in my day or bought. He reminded me of the materialistic mindset I often have. I cannot serve two masters and need to allow the discipline to push me towards the Father who loves me rather than the lies of the world. I am praying for all the prayer requests here.
Really very informative, meaningful and useful article thank you for sharing will try to implement the same. Good for all age groups now a days to learn such innovative and motivational thoughts.
https://sdahymnalsongs.com/Hymnal/668-o-thou-who-hearest/