Look Who's Looking Better than They Are

Acts 5:1–2 (ESV) But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Right from the beginning of this movement, pretenders have been there. The problem in any church are the people who try to be better than they are. Ananias and Sapphira are case in point. They didn't have to do this. That was actually the most tragic thing of all. They could have given what they wanted, but these two desired prominence and notoriety by looking more generous than they really were. 

This will not be tolerated in the New Covenant... As an example, they are swiftly struck down dead by the Holy Spirit. 

Why such a quick and decisive judgment?  Because of the nature of the New Covenant. This is about the New Creation of Jesus! You don't get in because of what YOU DO, you get in because of what God did through Jesus Christ for you. Trying to look better than you are is counter-intuitive. It's taking the glory that should be God's in your life and manipulating the reality to boast of yourself. 

How different the approach of the Apostles. Men who called themselves servants and slaves of Jesus Christ. Men who considered themselves the worst of sinners (Paul). The glory of God is exhibited in your life by what HE MAKES YOU, not what YOU TRY TO MAKE YOU.

And notice the reason for their actions: Acts 5:3 (ESV) Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?

The evil one was instigating this action. Of course! The one who sought to be number one in heaven and have Jesus worship him. He's always trying to be the center of attention. He is the god of this world and this world is full of people just like him.  Ananias used the movement to make it about them instead of letting Christ shine!

How often we see the trouble makers of any church are the ones who want to use the Lord's house for their own glory! 

Our lives are changed by Christ to bring HIM glory. Let that happen as He sees fit and not with facade or charade. God's house was made for God's glory, and WE are that house!

PRAYER:
Father, may your Name be glorified in me. May I be real. Give me a purity of worship before you that doesn't pretend to be anything I'm not for the sake of approval or accolade. Bring me near the Cross, and cleanse my heart again.

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