Tag; Keeping up with the Jones’ - Acts 5-6

Acts 5:1-6

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

Tag:  Keeping up with the Jones’

In ordered to understand the above passage we have to read the passage just prior to this story:

Acts 4:34-37

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Ananias and Sapphira saw the giving of Barnabas and how he was treated by the church and how he was celebrated by the church, and that motivated to do what they did.  They were not motivated with a heart of giving.  They were motivated by a heart of needing approval and desire for fame and recognition.   How easy it is for that to happen in the hearts of men?   We see what others have and the heart of envy creeps into our lives.  We find a way to get recognition we desire, even if we have to lie to get it.   Instead finding their approval in the truth of Romans 8:1 (there is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus), they sought the pleasure and prestige of men.  We ought to seek the favor of God and not live for man’s approval ... even Christian men.   Later the Apostles would be flogged by the religious leaders of the day (Acts 5:41).  They would leave that flogging rejoicing that they could suffer with Christ.   They did not seek man’s approval, only Christ’s.   Ananias and Sapphira sought the recognition of those around them instead of Him within them.   They wanted to keep up with Barnabas, who eventually becomes a big deal in the church.   They so much wanted to be a big deal, also, they were willing to plot a lie to make that happen.