DECEMBER 6, Acts 5:1-10

Some of you may be familiar with the couple Ananias and Sapphira in this chapter. Do you think it is an honour to have one’s name in the Bible? After all, millions of people will read about you! However, it is not an honour if one’s name is listed in the Bible as an example of what not to do! Ananias and Sapphira was one such couple - they both lied, and were punished for their sin with immediate death.

In an earlier devotional reading, the persecution of Peter and John came from outside the church (Chapter 4), but in today’s reading, the attack of Satan was internal. Satan had influenced Ananias and Sapphira to lie. This is one of the wiles of Satan, causing Christians to sin.

The couple was dishonest and hypocritical – pretending to be godly, but their hearts were worldly. Their act undermined the testimony of the church and reflected badly on the church’s teachings of upholding truth. Because the church then was just started, to show the seriousness of their sin, they were struck dead by the Lord! 

Don’t be like Ananias and Sapphira. Don’t be hypocritical; don’t tell lies. Nobody lamented for the lying pair. They left nothing behind but a bad name.

Thought: Are you hypocritical? Have you lied?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of Thy Word that lying is a sin. Help me always to bear a good testimony for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.