"Pastor, we sold our property. We are giving the total amount to the church." What a great gift, except there was a problem. The gift was not all of the money. Part of it was still in the bank. Do you recognize the story of Ananias and Sapphira? We read it in Acts 5. This couple, early converts to the Christ way, gave the money from the sale to the Church claiming that they were giving the whole amount. Secretly agreeing between themselves, they decided to hold back a percentage for themselves. When Peter questioned them about their contribution, they lied. And, then they dropped dead, right in church!
Pastor Peter's words reveal their sin was not in the gift, but in the lie! "Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn't lie to men but to God." Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it." (Acts 5:4-5, The Message) If God handed down that same quick and severe judgment on every pretender and hypocrite in the Church today it would be a very small gathering at church this Sunday, wouldn't it?
Here's what we do need to remember: sin always exacts a cost, perhaps not today, but sin collects, with major interest! You think that is just an Old Testament Law concept? Then how do you explain Paul's warning about receiving Communion while hanging onto willful sin? He says, "For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way." (1 Corinthians 11:29-31, NLT)
In our quest for a 'safe' God; a therapeutic and comforting religion, we have conveniently chosen to ignore those texts that remind us that He is a holy, just, and righteous God. We must ever so grateful for the Cross. There the sacrifice of of Christ took away the eternal punishment of our sin, but we must also keep in mind that no sin is without some consequence.Many think only of Heaven and Hell when it comes to wrong-doing.
All the time I am asked, "If a person does __________________, will he go to Heaven?" But that question misses a big point about life right here, right now! It ignores the principle of planting and harvest. What we plant, will produce a harvest - at some point. Take this illustration: A Christ-follower is unfaithful to his wife. He realizes his sin and repents. Yes, God can and will forgive all sin. But, the harvest of the seeds sown by his infidelity will come! There will be great grief and pain to his wife. His children will go through confusion and fear, perhaps even turning against God, mistakenly blaming Him for the sins of their father.
Believer, we must not test God's grace! King Saul chose to disobey God's clear directions and kept some of the plunder from a military campaign. In his mind it was 'no big deal.' When he was called to account, he thought he could 'buy' God's favor with a sacrifice. The prophet Samuel harshly reminded the king he had seriously misunderstood the heart of God. "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols." 1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT
Are you considering 'testing' God, thinking that if you're caught you can play "Let's Make A Deal" with the Almighty? You're wrong. You may find a place of forgiveness, but there will be scars and the name of Christ will be stained.
The better choice is to 'die to self' first, surrendering that desire to God. Put Him first regardless. Trust His way as the BEST WAY. The same planting and harvest principle works for good, too. Plant good seed and expect a harvest of righteousness! Here's a word from the Word. Let it fill your thoughts today.
"Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others-ignoring God!- harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds!
But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10, The Message)
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