Today's Devotion

December 3, 2010

You Can't Lie to God

Today we see just how serious hypocrisy is to God. Ananias and Sapphira put on their masks and pretended to be like Barnabas who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles. That is they pretended to give all the proceeds, but they kept part of the money back.

“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold [it], and brought the money and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back [part] of the proceeds, his wife also being aware [of it], and brought a certain part and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back [part] of the price of the land for yourself? "While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried [him] out, and buried [him]. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much." Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband [are] at the door, and they will carry you out." Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying [her] out, buried [her] by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” (Acts 4:36-5:11 NKJV)

Granted many people pretend to be one thing when they are another; and God is not killing them for that offense like He did in the case of Ananias and Sapphira. At least as far as we know. Perhaps because of the fragile nature of the early church He set an example.

However, we must remind ourselves that God has not changed. He is willing to punish hypocrisy the same today as yesterday, and tomorrow. Because He delays that judgment does not mean His disposition has changed.

The Jewish leaders were some of the worst hypocrites, and God spoke harshly to them for it.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead [men’s] bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27-28 NKJV)

Loved ones, God knows the truth. There is nothing hidden from Him. When we pretend to be something we are not, we only lie to ourselves and for it suffer the consequences.

We can avoid the sin of hypocrisy by practicing regular confession. It is a good thing to pray as the Psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if [there is any] wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23-24 NKJV)

Consider your ways often and with serious attention. God is willing to reveal your sin. Unlike those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18), whom God gives over to sin (Romans 1:28), He will convict you for your own good.

Look at every area of your life carefully. Hypocrisy finds opportunity on many fronts, and is fueled by pride. No one want’s to look foolish and a guilty soul will often hide it with a lie. It may seem unbearable to confess your sin, but to carry it is much more destructive.

Remember, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

Are there things in your life for which you need to repent? Don’t hold on to sin. Even if you hide it from man, you can’t lie to God.

Remind yourself often that, “. . . the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NKJV)

God forbid that the Lord would say, “Woe to you . . . For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead [men’s] bones and all uncleanness.”