Truth or Consequences

SCRIPTURE

Acts 5:1 ¶ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 ¶ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.

OBSERVATION

Studies tell us that most people lie to others once or twice a day and deceive up to 30 people a week. 86 percent of children lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends and 69 percent to spouses. 10,000,000 people lie to the IRS each year.
- 70% of all doctors lie to insurance companies.
 Amazing isn’t it? If you are like Peter you may want to ask: What causes people to lie. Four reasons come to mind.
To PROTECT something or someone. To PROJECT a better self image. To PUNISH a person or to OBTAIN something that you could not get otherwise. Anaias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of others. What a tragic end when you don’t live in accordance with the truth.



APPLICATION

Truth will help a person even though it may hurt but a lie will lead them to death. Listen to these lies that will destroy your life: You can’t be happy unless everyone likes you. You can’t be happy unless you have a lot of money. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength. I have no options - There is no way out. I am the only one with this problem. God’s love and favor depend on my behavior. God uses only spiritual giants. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me while doing nothing until He does. I am a Christian and should not have any difficulties because Jesus is on my side. These are just a few lies that have been devastated the lives of many. May we commit ourselves to the truth because it sets people free.

PRAYER

O Lord, help us to walk in honesty so that we might please you in all we do