How can Acts 5:5 inspire personal integrity in our daily walk with God? The story behind the shock “On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.” (Acts 5:5) • Ananias had pledged to give the full proceeds of a land sale to the church (Acts 5:1-2). • He secretly kept back part, presented the rest as “everything,” and in doing so lied to God (Acts 5:3-4). • The Lord’s immediate judgment made clear that deceit in His presence is never trivial. Why God cares so deeply about honesty • God’s own character is truth (Titus 1:2; John 14:6). • Lying contradicts His nature and grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:25, 30). • “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22) Integrity lessons from Acts 5:5 1. God sees what is hidden – “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13). 2. Integrity protects us from judgment – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). 3. Integrity safeguards the church’s witness – Ananias’s fall produced “great fear,” reminding every believer that holiness is non-negotiable (1 Peter 2:12). 4. Integrity fosters intimacy with God – “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4). Practical keys for personal integrity • Be ruthlessly honest in small things—little compromises grow into major lies. • Invite daily heart inspection (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep short accounts: confess and forsake sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Align words with actions; let your “yes” be yes (Matthew 5:37). • Cultivate financial transparency—Ananias’s deceit began with money. A daily integrity checklist □ Did I speak truthfully today? □ Were my private actions consistent with my public claims? □ Am I stewarding money in a way that would stand up to God’s spotlight? □ Have I quickly confessed any hint of deceit? □ Did my choices point others to Christ’s righteousness? Promises that motivate honest living • “Better the poor man who walks in integrity than the rich man whose lips are perverse.” (Proverbs 19:1) • “The blameless will dwell in Your presence.” (Psalm 140:13) • “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)—His grace empowers integrity. Acts 5:5 stands as a vivid reminder that God prizes truthfulness. Let the reverent fear that gripped the early church guide every conversation, transaction, and decision today, so our lives echo His uncompromising purity. |
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