Wednesday 12 February, 2020

The context here is that the disciples of Jesus, this earliest of Christian communities, are sharing all their possessions. Ananias and Sapphira, who are wealthy people, also participate in this sharing. However, they lie about the proportion of their wealth they are sharing. They claim to be giving EVERYTHING away, but in reality they have held back some of their wealth for themselves. I assume they have lied because they wanted to appear good and generous in the sight of the Christian community, their new friends. But this is a great offense before God. It makes a god out of approval from people and diminishes God. Making a god out of approval from people will kill me, eventually. Life is only found in the one true God, who has poured his Holy Spirit into our hearts.

Lord, Holy Spirit, may my heart desire only your approval. May I rest in your love and enjoy your promise of faithfulness to me. Go before me that people may see that I honour you and your righteousness fills me. Lord, teach me to seek your approval alone.

Written by Andrew Mellor