Bible Reading: Esther1-2; Acts 5:1-21
“But Peter said, Ananais, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” – Acts 5:3 (KJV).
All over the world telling lies is being seen by many as normal. But for Christians, it should not be so. Remember, the scriptures was given for our learning (Romans 15:4) and the same God that gave us this Word is still the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If God frowned against lies and deceit in time past, He still does today. Lying originated from the devil.
Ananais’ case was surprising. The land was his and the money was his too. The lie he told was unnecessary. But because a brother in the church, by name Jose, had sold his own land and given the whole money to the church from his heart (Acts 4:36-37), Ananais decided to do same but with a wrong motive. He wanted to gain glory and recognition, while giving false figures. He and His wife died as a result of this.
This story reveal God’s hatred of all deceit and dishonesty in the kingdom of God. The love of money is the root of all evils (1 Timothy 6:10). God wants us to keep evil away from us. Moreso, we should never look forward to the praise of others, especially one not deserved, rather let us do things that will bring praise to God.
May we continue to grow in humility and fear of God and His wrath against sin or else ungodly ways may gradually become as normal to believers.
Prayer: Father, I ask for grace to grow in humility and Godly fear daily, in Jesus name