IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY
Acts 5:1-11, Matthew 5:8, Proverbs 4:23
The early church in the first 4 chapters of Acts is heavenly: miraculous healings through the power of the Holy Spirit confirming the testimony of Jesus and the resurrection, the disciples sharing all things and sharing the good news. Though the early church faced challenges from the Sadducees (the ruling religious group at the time who did not believe in the resurrection and other persecution), the disciples remained unified and focused. Then in chapter 5, we see a sharp turn in the story with Ananias and Sapphira, two supposed disciples in the early church in Jerusalem. We see a new threat that is more dangerous facing the church, a threat that comes from inside the group.
Ananias and Sapphira sell a possession and make a profit. Following the example of esteemed disciples like Barnabas, they set money at the disciples’ feet as an expression of generosity and unity. What wasn’t expressed in their gift however was their scheme to keep a portion of the money for themselves, yet look like they were living into the fullest level of obedience to Christ, which would gain praise from other disciples.
Peter holds the pair accountable by discerning and asking more questions about the matter. Why did you let Satan fill your heart? Rooted in a lie from Satan and enticed by their own desires, Ananias and Sapphira couldn’t trust God’s promise of provision and thought it better to keep some of the profit for themselves rather than share all things with the other disciples. They conspired against God and the disciples to save for themselves.
What’s interesting is that this story is not necessarily about avoiding wealth or about the importance of giving. Rather, the act of disobedience in this story was more about heart posture and deceit towards God. There is a seriousness about lying to the Holy Spirit that is communicated through this story and the subsequent, immediate deaths of both Ananias and Sapphira.
The timeless truth and warning from this passage is that we can have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Tim. 3:5) and in that regard be hypocrites. The opposite of deceit and hypocrisy is integrity and truth. The presence of sin could destroy unity in the early church and the same is true today. Whether you’re part of a small church plant or an existing church that is large or medium-sized, this truth can challenge and inspire us today - to flee from sin, deceit, and especially any heart posture of deceit towards God and pursue unity and life in Christ and His bride the Church.
Reflect: How can you repent and believe in light of this passage today? Is there something that you are hiding from God that you can confess? What is one way you can pursue unity in the body of Christ this week?
