Ananias and Sapphira…

I can imagine that it has always been present. It is pervasive, and it is on our human nature to lie to ourselves. But to think that somehow that possess the capacity to lie to God…now I can’t imagine that is common. Or is it?

Acts 5:1-11 (NIV)
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 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? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

  
Thoughts:

As leaders of a house, a city, a state, a country, our actions can effect so many around us. In this case, it was the actions ms of Ananias that influenced his wife Saphira to lie to the Holy Spirit in adjusting the amount that was given. 

So Jesus says this, “7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” May 18:7

From the mouth of Jesus we now can see that our sin is forgiven, but to those that lead others to win, the effect is not the same. Our actions as leaders of any kind can have a profound effect on those that we lead. It this that Jesus warns us about in 18:7 of the book of Matthew. It this very thing that rears its ugly head in the Acts 5. The wages of sin is death.

As believers, we are not to hinder those that are young in age, spirit, heart, or growth. There is special attention given to those believers who lead astray those who seek God, as well as take pleasure is leading them away from Kingdom actions. There are many in this world that do so out of ignorance, but at the same time there are many that do so full well knowing that what they are doing will tear down those who are on their way to God. 

Take heart and know that your sin is forgiven. Do nothing to lead astray those that are on their way to Truth that may hinder that growth. Jesus gives special attention to the young, particularly children. Do not hinder them. Do not lead astray anyone who is on their way to God. Rather all leaders can learn from the innocence that they possess.

I pray for all leaders in this world now. As prophecies are being fulfilled, and the wicked ways of this place that we inhabit temporarily begin to rear their ugly head, I pray for strength in Christ to preserve. I pray that those that seek to pass law and policy for any country come to know Jesus and lead no one astray. I pray for increased discernment for all believers, so that we may continue to love without misconception. I pray that we all learn to love the way that Jesus loves. I pray this for all of us now. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen! #JesusSaves

DK