Many people are familiar with the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. This is a story which often gets oversimplified. Ananias and Sapphira lied to God and they dropped dead. While that statement is true, there is a lot more that we can learn from their mistakes. Let's take a look at the things they did wrong:

Coconspiring: This couple actually planned out their sin together. They decided together to lie and came up with their story. How evil is that!
Boasting: The whole reason they lied about the amount they sold their property for was so that they could say they gave it all away. They wanted to make themselves look better than they were.
Lying to Peter: They both separately lied to Peter. Anytime this happens in the church it is a tragedy.
Hiding from God: Not only did they lie to Peter, but they lied to the Holy Spirit. They tried to hide something from a God who sees everything! It doesn't get much dumber than that!

Their consequence was death. We might look at them and think about how stupid they were, or how evil they were, but let's remember one thing. You and I are no different. We all sin. And usually when we sin, it's because we are believing a lie. We think we can get away with it. But God is a God of justice. Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

One day everything will be brought into the light. Let's live lives of integrity, honesty and truthfulness!

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth! Psalm 86:11

Family Discussion

1. Why do so many people in our culture embrace lying as an acceptable practice?

2. Why do you think it's so hard for us to bring our sin into the light?

3. What are some other ways that we can try to make ourselves look better than we really are at church?