Daily devotion – the all knowing God of grace
Acts 5:1-3 (NKJV)
“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?'”
The early Church faced various trials and threats, both from external persecution and from within its own members. Acts 5 presents a sobering example of deception creeping into the Church through Ananias and Sapphira. These two individuals conspired to deceive the apostles and the Holy Spirit by pretending to offer the full proceeds from the sale of their possession when, in reality, they kept back a portion for themselves.
Their sin was not merely in withholding part of the proceeds; it was in lying to the Holy Spirit. They thought they could deceive God, but the omniscience of the Holy Spirit exposed their hearts and actions.
Satan sought to undermine the Church’s integrity and authenticity through this internal threat. The danger of deception within the Church highlights the need for vigilance and genuine hearts before God.
As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our own hearts before the Lord. Deception can subtly creep into our lives, and we may justify our actions or attitudes before God and others. However, we cannot deceive the One who sees all things and knows our thoughts.
Take time to prayerfully examine your heart before God. Ask Him to reveal any areas of deception or dishonesty in your life. Be honest with yourself and seek His forgiveness and cleansing.
Strive for transparency and authenticity in your relationship with God and others. Avoid pretense and be genuine in your actions and words.
Seek to live with integrity before God. Be true to your commitments and honest in your dealings with others. Remember that God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6).
Rest in God’s Grace – While the sin of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a warning, it is also a reminder of God’s grace and mercy. Confess your sins before Him, and rest in His forgiveness and cleansing. Remember, as the Church, we must remain vigilant against the dangers of deception and hypocrisy. Let us continually seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empower us to live with authenticity and integrity, bringing glory to God in all that we do.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV): “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Proverbs 11:3 (NKJV): “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”
1 John 1:9 (NKJV): “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any areas of deception or dishonesty within me. Help me to embrace transparency and authenticity before You and others. Grant me a heart of integrity that is true to Your ways and committed to honesty in all things. Thank You for Your grace and mercy, which forgive and cleanse us when we confess our sins. May I walk in truth before You, reflecting Your character to the world around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.