Acts 5-6

My sharing: It is very easy for us to follow the peer pressure: to say thing that we do not mean, to make commitment that we do not intend to keep. The bible beseeches us to present ourselves as living sacrifice. But do we keep part of it for ourselves like Ananias and Sapphira? It is better not to present than lie to the Holy Spirit.

Comments

Audrey said…
I was impressed with the same passage. "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 men but to God 5:4" I was thinking shall I quit my job when Mike starts his pastoral ministry. On one hand, I want to assist him in the church, because I belief I was called also when he was called. On the other hand, I like the fact that I have the benefit and salary from my secular job. The problem is not what I choose, but do I present myself to others as called to full-time ministry and on the other hand I still hold my job. Sapphira has the chance to hold on to his land. It belongs to him. The apostle has no problem with it. He has the choice to sell it and keep the money. However, lying is the problem. Why does he do that? To save face before man. Sapphira thinks what others think about him is more important than honesty before man. I admit that approval from man is very attractive. However, God cannot be cheated."For our God is a consuming fire Heb 12:29." Fear God.
In 6:4, the apostles know that they should focus on the preaching and prayer. This is unique to them. They do not ask everybody else to do the same. However, they are called to do this. And I belief this is what God wants me to do.