Acts 5:1-4
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 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. 3 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? 4 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.”
Many in the first church sold what they had to help others in need among them, but these tried only to look good to others doing so - for they kept part of the money and lied about their gift being everything . This was quickly pointed out by God, letting them know that there was nothing wrong in how much they gave, but in how much they deceived God (if possible) and man. Their hearts were not in meeting needs, but in how they appeared to others. People still do this, deceiving themselves to look charitable to others. But God is not fooled.
No comments:
Post a Comment