This is one of the “Keeping it Real” moments in the story of the early church. People were selling their stuff, and bringing it to the apostles to meet the needs of others. People were trusting God and He was meeting needs and blessing those that were making sacrifices for Him. Ananias and Saphira sold their land as well. Sadly, they felt the compulsion to keep back part of the price but then claim they gave all they made to the church.
Understand, God did not require that the couple either sell the land or give the proceeds to the church. Further, the couple could have quietly given any part and the amount would have blessed them and been a blessing to the Church. What makes this story stand out is simply that they tried to do a noble act for personal gain and glory. They tried to lie to God. Not real smart. He knew their hearts and saw the deceit. God could literally care less how much they gave. He is well funded and well stocked. He owns it all.
What God wanted from them and wants from us is our trust in Him and our submission to His plan. When we give, we do not make a big deal of it, we give out of faith and gratefulness. God is not a quid pro quo God; He is our Father. He simply wants us to be trusting of Him and allow His plan to work in our lives. Having said that, do not think you can lie to God. It serves no purpose. It will suck the life and joy out of your walk with God. This story is a loud announcement. We need not try to show off to God. He is looking at our hearts not our wallets.
Simply trust the Lord and follow Him. Give as you feel led, and know it is your heart not your wallet that our Lord longs to capture.
God Bless You
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
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? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Walking With God 