Giving: Ananias and Sapphira
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-45 (NIV)
When I first read an early church story, about Ananias and Sapphira, it didn’t just trouble me. It shocked. Without discussion or explanation, God ended their lives in a public way!
The back story? Lots of new believers, in sold-out faith, sold properties and gave cash to the church… to assist the poorer saints among them. So did Ananias and Sapphira.
Except their gift was tied with a small lie. They SAID they gave their all, but they didn’t. Each collapsed and died immediately.
These new saints were giving on the outside, but they were holding back on the inside. God had better plans for the church of Christ.
Without a doubt, He detests false displays by people who claim to be worshippers. Remember, the ONLY people Jesus condemned were scribes, Pharisees and lawyers: Jewish leaders MIS-leading God’s flocks.
Consider two more Bible examples:
'This poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned' (Mark 12:43-44).
'Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward' (Matthew 10:42).
Actors, models and talent for Christ,
Consider two possible conclusions:
Whether you give water or a penny, God doesn't judge gifts like most people do. It’s not by amount or human value. God sees the heart– and the love behind it. Whether you perform at a grammar school or nursing home, give everything you’ve got.
Upon direct cross-examination from Peter, this couple did not repent. Their seeming show of generosity forewarns us of Christian hypocrisy: a cancer Jesus gave His Life to cure. So when you mess up (which you will), fess up. Only then will the Lord accept your gifts.
Setting an honest-to-God example is the heart of the role you’re called to play.
Giving: Ananias and Sapphira (Part 6)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* The full story of Ananias and Sapphira: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205:1-11&version=NKJV