Are “little white lies” really little? Though they sometimes seem harmless, even necessary, what if God dealt with little white lies, in the same way this Sunday as He did with Ananias and Sapphira? Would you and I still be left standing?
Why did God deal so decisively, some might say harshly, with Ananias and Sapphira? Why would He care so much about a little white lie? What has changed today, if anything? And could this be a reason for the lack of power in our lives, our churches, and the spiritual condition of those who call themselves Christians? These are important questions, ones we shouldn’t brush aside.
Today’s Readings:
1 Chronicles 5 & 6
Psalm 77.1-3
Proverbs 19.10-12
Acts 5.1-21
Are “Little White Lies” Really Little?
Acts 5.1-21:
Hypocrisy & Little White Lies
In the first 4 chapters of Acts, we read about the start of the church. People were getting saved and were excited about their newfound faith. Chapter 4:
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
But in chapter 5 something unexpected happens.
No Big Deal … Right?
Verses 1-2:
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 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.
Ananias and Sapphira had sold some land and pretended to give all the proceeds to the church. They didn’t have to. There was no universal command to “sell all you have.” But they wanted to look good.
Did they reason that it was just a “little white lie”? What harm would it do? After all, they were giving a lot!
3 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? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
When we sin, it may or may not, be against other people. But every sin is first a sin against God (2 Sam. 12.13). They were lying, not only to the apostles, but to God.
Over the Top?
And how did God respond?
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
Why would God deal so decisively, some might say harshly, with Ananias and Sapphira? Why would a little white lie be such a big deal?
It’s easy for us to believe God’s reaction was a bit over the top because, often, we have been guilty of the same.
Most of us have justified some “little white lie.” Maybe it was easier than confronting someone with the truth. Or maybe it kept us out of trouble. Or maybe, like Ananias and Sapphira, it made us look better.
Our “Minor Character Flaws”
When it comes to our own sins, we’re often tempted to think they are really no big deal. More like minor character flaws than major sin issues. We compare ourselves to others whose sins we regard as major and think we look pretty good. Or we expect God to take into account all the good Christian things we do and give us a pass.
But God doesn’t use some heavenly scale to see if the good outweighs the bad. God has called us to holiness (1 Pet. 1.14-16). And while we will not become perfect in this life, He does expect us to be growing (Eph. 4.14-15, 22-24). So, instead of earning some capital with God as we mature, there is a higher accountability.
Even though we may not often see His judgment demonstrated as vividly, God’s attitude toward hypocrisy and lying hasn’t changed (Mal. 3.6; Heb. 13.8)! And God does still judge sin and discipline His children (Heb. 12.5-11).
But what happens when Christians and whole churches decide to take God’s Word and their own sin seriously? And conversely, what happens when the truth, if it’s taught at all, is preached without a clear call to obedience?
No Fear of God
Let’s look at the next few verses in Acts 5:
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
Unbelievers (“the rest”) respected the Apostles but stayed away while multitudes of genuine believers were added.
Yet, I wonder how many unbelievers sit in our churches every Sunday hearing sermons that are often little more than positive thinking messages. When Scripture is used, it is often not taught with authority. Commandments seem like little more than suggestions so they can pick and choose the parts they like. All the while, they continue living with their unmarried partners, watching pornography, and getting drunk every weekend. In short, there is no fear of God.
Even many believers are stunted in their growth because God’s Word and the call to holiness are not taken seriously. They have little power in their Christian walks. In fact, their lives are not that different from their unbelieving friends.
Holiness & Power
But where the Word is preached with authority and sin is dealt with biblically, there is power in the church and in the lives of its members.
Chapter 5 goes on to tell us that the sick were healed (Acts 5.15-16), an angel delivered the imprisoned apostles (Acts 5.17-24), and once they had been released they boldly went back to preaching openly (Acts 25-32).
So, let’s examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11.28-32) and pray for God to show us our sin (Ps. 139.23-24). Let’s pray for God to grant us repentance and help us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. And let’s pray for God to give our pastors and elders the boldness to preach God’s truth with authority and to call His church to holy living.
Today’s Other Readings:
1 Chronicles 5 & 6:
The Tribe of Levi
As we continue through the genealogical record, the tribe of Levi, as the priestly tribe, is given special prominence. Not only does God list their genealogy, but their responsibilities are delineated, as well.
In 1 Chronicles 6.33-47, we see those assigned the responsibility of singing and praising God in the house of the Lord. Heman seems to be over all the singing with Asaph and Ethan on his right and on his left.
If praising God through worship and songs was important enough for God to assign certain people to lead it, let’s be sure we make it a regular part of our lives by arriving on time and participating in that part of the service. It isn’t merely a “warm-up” for the sermon. It is about honoring and worshiping the Lord. Speaking of which, let’s also be sure that the songs we sing have a high and exalted view of God rather than man.
Psalm 77.1-3:
I Will Remember
This psalm, like many others, starts out with deep sorrow but ends with the psalmist encouraging himself and us, with accounts of God’s faithfulness in the past. This is one reason the psalms are a good place to go when we’re struggling with hurts and discouragements.
The psalmists were often very honest with God about their disappointments, grievances, fears, and worries, but there is almost always a turning point where they begin to say, “… but God …” We see that in this psalm.
Look at the phrases in these three verses: “I cried out,” “in the day of my trouble,” “my soul refused to be comforted,” “I … was troubled,” “I complained,” and “my spirit was overwhelmed.” But later we’ll see such phrases as: “But I will remember” and “I will meditate … and talk of Your deeds.”
If you’re going through a difficult time, why not personalize this psalm and pray it back to God?
Proverbs 19.10-12:
Slow to Anger
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression (v. 11).
A man of discretion, a wise person, is not quick to get angry. Even when there may be a cause for righteous anger, he considers it carefully, making sure to have all the facts before taking any action and choosing not to respond until he is reasonably sure he is not sinfully angry (Jas. 1.19-20).
Even when there is a transgression, the wise man or woman considers overlooking it when appropriate and understands the importance of forgiveness.
Coming Up:
In the coming days, we’ll talk about the importance of godly friends, the sin of nagging, the circle of blessing, and the importance of being able to explain the basics of the Christian faith.
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Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥
Note about this post:
I began blogging through the Bible in 2012 and have done so every year since then. These posts are the product of many edits and additions throughout those years. Some days I make major changes, other days fewer.
A while ago, I read Jen Wilkin’s book None Like Him about the attributes of God. One is His incomprehensibility. In it, she says, “God is incomprehensible. This does not mean that he is unknowable, but that he is unable to be fully known.”
I have found that to be true each year as I’ve gone back through the Bible. Sometimes I find myself feeling as if a passage just appeared there for the first time. I’m reminded that no matter how many times we read through the Bible, we have only scratched the surface. I hope you feel the same.
Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26.14)
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