March 6, 2008 - Acts 5:3

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’” Acts 5:3.
Some of the early followers of Jesus, who could afford it, sold some of their land or houses and gave the proceeds to the disciples for distribution to those in need. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, did this with one of their properties, giving only part of the proceeds to the disciples and holding back some for themselves in what appeared to be with some deceit. It seems that Peter knows that they did this through the activity of the Holy Spirit, and he confronts Ananias with the situation, adding that he and his wife did not just lie to people, but that they lied to the Holy Spirit of God.
It seems to me that it would have been okay for this couple to hold some of the proceeds from the sale of their property for their own use, except for at least one thing – they hid their intentions from the leadership and the Holy Spirit. It would be fairly easy to hide something from other people. Heck, we seem to do this type of thing all the time! But “hiding” something from the Holy Spirit is quite another thing. It is quite like Adam and Eve trying to hide from God in the Garden of Eden after they ate of the forbidden fruit. There was no way that they could actually do it, and neither was there any way that Ananias and Sapphira could hide.
As I reflected on this, I realize that there are many ways that I try to “hide” from God. (And I must say that I am so thankful that I have not been dealt with like these two!) Since it is tax season, it can be a temptation to “hide” the facts and lower my taxes. After all, the government will never know, and, besides, they waste so much, and …… Isn’t it easy to justify ourselves and our actions!
Questions to consider: Is there any area that you are attempting to “hide” from God? Is there anything that you are holding back or withholding from God? What would He have you do?
Prayer: God, help me to come into the open in all areas of my life. Help me to live before you with a clean heart, seeking to be genuine and free before You. Amen.