IT'S NOT A COMPETITION

DAY 330
FEAR FILE: ANANIAS & SAPPHIRA
SCRIPTURES: ACTS 5

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
ACTS 5:1-5

This story reminds me of being in the congregation of an orthodox church service and seeing people come out to make financial pledges or donations to match or outshine someone or to avoid being seen in a bad light. The preacher probably never imagined the whispers that happened in the pews after they returned from announcing their pledge on the altar. Competition or pressure was not the intention, but human nature can turn anything into competition and a desire to “feel among.”

Ananias was part of a generous and selfless congregation. These people were so united and unfettered to possessions that they considered nothing their own. They would bring everything they owned to church, including the proceeds from selling lands and houses.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37

This they did without being compelled to do so. Ananais probably felt left out or awkward and thought, “Everyone is giving, if I don’t give it will look somehow.” So he sold his land. But when he saw the money, the greed in his heart was activated. “How will I give church all this money? No, o. My wife, I know we said we will give all but let us give some. Take this half and keep it, we will act like we brought everything.” In my head, that’s how the conversation happened. And they agreed to cheat God.

Can’t Cheat God

Ananais and His wife forgot that nobody can cheat God. They were not so conversant with the gifts of the Spirit and how it works because He just came down. So they thought that they could do this and get away with it. They had no idea that the Holy Spirit would reveal it to the Apostles. Isn’t funny how we think that what we did in secret is unknown to the Holy Spirit? Their deception led to death.

But why death? Wasn’t that too harsh? This couple and their evil agreement were polluting the pure and unified spirit of the congregation. It only takes a bad egg to spoil a batch. That kind of heart needed to be discouraged before it polluted the entire congregation. Unity is too important to Jesus.

Sometimes we are tempted to do something because of others and when we venture it we realize that our faith couldn’t walk the walk that our mouth talked. It is not wrong to do something because we are inspired by others, but to be pressured into it will always expose us to death. We have to be courageous enough to avoid all forms of competition, pride, and deception. If you committed to something and realized it was more than your capacity, come straight. “I thought I could do this but I just realized that I can’t.” Peter told Ananias that he could have backed out even after he sold the property, but this man was afraid of how he might look and a lie instead.

May the Lord help us. May fear of public impression and opinion, not lead us to sin. In the name of Jesus

Shalom.