In Search of Dependability . .

Fired up and ready to go! The excitement in the room was palpable as men and women moved from group to group listening and sharing their experiences. The sick were being healed, the blind were regaining their sight, and bed-ridden people were leaping up and walking.

“And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.” Acts 5: 14-15.

It was a time of victory and of trial. A time of excitement and of apprehension.  The emotions were uncontainable. Men and women gave up their jobs and committed themselves to the cause of sharing the Good News of a new way of life. With that came the practical challenges of day-to-day living. How would they sustain themselves and the movement? 

The discussion and planning continued deep into the night. The request went out,  hands went up, and pledges were made. Some people were selling their homes, some sold small items, others gave their time— they would all contribute to the cause. 

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. . . . Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” Act 4: 32-35. 

Ananias looked at Sapphira, and the decision was made. Up went his hand to pledge the earnings of their piece of land outside the walls of the city. That night they discussed their pledge and agreed Ananias would see to its sale the following day. At about noon the next day Ananias came home, his face beaming. It was clear he had been successful. Sapphira did not ask if he had sold the land but for how much. 

The grin on his face grew wider, “You won’t believe it!” he said, “”I got five times more than we had expected!” 

“God be praised!” exclaimed Sapphira. “We must share the great news.” 

Ananias lingered. 

“Well, what’s holding you up, what’s wrong?” 

“Sit down” he said. “I was thinking. We didn’t expect this much for the land. We have made five times more than we had hoped.”

“Yes, God blessed!”

He stared at her then blurted, “I was thinking that we should keep the extra.” 

“We did say we would give all the proceeds of the sale.” 

“Yes, but . . .  the proceeds is far more than we projected.” 

“I’m not sure, isn’t that because God blessed our venture?” Sapphira parried. 

“I agree, but who says that that blessing is not for us to keep?”

Sapphira sighed, covered her face, and sat back, “What of the counsel? What are they going to think when we say we are holding back some of the money? Others are giving everything they have.” 

Ananias pulled on his beard and sighed heavily, “That would make us look less than committed wouldn’t it? We are totally committed but  . . .  we need to be prudent. We must plan for the future.” 

They were silent for a while. Sapphira shifted uneasily as she wrestled with the problem. 

Slowly Ananias began to speak counting his words as he spoke. “We don’t need to be judged. Let’s just give the first sum we promised and not mention our good fortune.” 

Sapphira raised her head from her hands, and slowly she nodded her OK. 

“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.” Acts 5: 3-5.

It was coming time for the evening meeting and Sapphira hurriedly finished her chores to be on time. She was excited to join Ananias.

“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.” Acts 5: 7-10. 

A difficult story to swallow. Wasn’t it their money to do as they pleased? Why were they punished so harshly for not giving all to the mission? Were Ananias and Sapphira engaged in irresponsible indulgence or responsible management of their resources? Does it matter if our giving is born of  generosity or obligation? Am I the sole arbiter of my resources— be it time, money or energy? Some may say that the answer will depend on the motive. I guess there can be arguments for both sides of these questions. It is important enough to receive some thought.

To say that this story should awaken fear is to miss the point. However, questions regarding our stewardship of time, money, abilities, will always be among the daily challenges that we face. 

Even as we are unique recipients of God’s blessings, each in our own unique way is called to honor God. May He give us the understanding and willingness to freely and lovingly use our resources in ways that He guides us.

Today’s Goal: To use my time, abilities, and money as God would have me to do.