By Andrew Williams
Acts 5:7-10 (NLT): “About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, ‘Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?’ ‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘that was the price.’ And Peter said, ‘How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.’ Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.”
Good morning fellow disciples.
This somber passage continues the story of Ananias and Sapphira, demonstrating the seriousness of dishonesty and testing God. Sapphira, unaware of what had happened to her husband, was given an opportunity to speak the truth when Peter confronted her. Sadly, she chose to uphold the lie, and the judgment she faced revealed the gravity of her actions.
This moment in Scripture teaches us that God values truth in our hearts and actions. It wasn’t just the act of withholding money that brought judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira—it was their deliberate decision to lie and test the Spirit of the Lord. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives, asking if we are living in full honesty and transparency before God. It also reminds us that our actions and choices, even in secret, have significant spiritual consequences.
Peter’s role in this story reminds us of the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability. He did not shy away from confronting sin, even when it was difficult or uncomfortable. Peter’s reliance on the Holy Spirit allowed him to discern the truth and speak boldly, not out of condemnation but out of a desire to protect the integrity of the early church.
Peter empowers us to walk in the kind of bold obedience that comes from being in step with the Spirit. His example reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to be vigilant in guarding our own hearts and to encourage one another to walk in truth. This is not about judgment or legalism but about fostering a community that honors God in every way.
Are there areas in your life where you’ve been tempted to hide the truth, bend it, or conspire in ways that dishonor God? This passage challenges us to redirect our focus to truthfulness in every aspect of our lives. God calls us to live with integrity, not just outwardly but inwardly, where no one else sees but Him.
Spend time in self-reflection and prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you may have compromised truthfulness. If you recognize a specific instance, confess it to God and seek to make it right with anyone you may have wronged. Commit to living in full honesty before God and others moving forward.
Prayer: Lord, I come before You with a humble heart, asking for Your forgiveness for any time I’ve chosen dishonesty over truth. Help me to redirect my focus to living in full integrity and sincerity before You. Teach me to value truth as You do and to walk in obedience to Your Spirit. Strengthen me to make right what I’ve done wrong and to encourage others to live truthfully as well. I commit to being a disciple who honors You in word, thought, and action. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
