However, a man named Ananias, along with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. With his wife’s knowledge, he withheld some of the proceeds from the sale. He brought the rest and placed it in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Peter asked, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has influenced you to lie to the Holy Spirit by withholding some of the proceeds from the sale of your land? Wasn’t that property yours to keep? After you sold it, wasn’t the money yours to do with whatever you wanted? What made you think of such a thing? You haven’t lied to other people but to God!” When Ananias heard these words, he dropped dead. Everyone who heard this conversation was terrified. Some young men stood up, wrapped up his body, carried him out, and buried him. About three hours later, his wife entered, but she didn’t know what had happened to her husband. Peter asked her, “Tell me, did you and your husband receive this price for the field?” She responded, “Yes, that’s the amount.” He replied, “How could you scheme with each other to challenge the Lord’s Spirit? Look! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out too.” At that very moment, she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men entered and found her dead, they carried her out and buried her with her husband. Trepidation and dread seized the whole church and all who heard what had happened. (Acts 5:1-11, CEB)
So here is a story of a couple who sold their land and agreed to tell everyone they sold it for a price less than they sold it for and gave that amount to the shared holdings of the group. And the disciples found out, and God struck the couple dead.
Now, we should not be dishonest. We should not say we do not have something we have or in any way portray what/who we are as different than what/who we are, but should these two be struck dead because of this?
This story makes a point of always being honest. I say you be honest because then you don’t have to remember what you said because it is always the truth. Liars have to have good memories, but those who always tell the truth don’t need to worry about remembering.
Love like Jesus and be honest.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 