Thursday, March 26, 2009

Repercussions of sin

Have you ever done a good deed, but held a little something back? Our actions might fool those on this earth, but the Lord knows what stirs in our hearts and He cannot be deceived.

Let’s be honest – we are human and it’s difficult to constantly do the right thing. Many times we sin and may not even consciously realize it. The devil is always looking for an opportunity to sneak into our hearts and minds…no one is perfect and even in the times that we do slip, its important for us to reflect at the end of the day and ask God for forgiveness for the things that we did, as well as for the things that we failed to do.

Below are two passages from the Acts of the Apostles. This was around the time when the Apostles were spreading the word of Jesus Christ and building up followers. They roamed from country to country and city to city gathering more disciples and spreading the word of truth.

The passage below shows that there might be some actions that we think aren’t that big of a deal. However, in the eyes of God this might be a different story all together. A part of the second passage is a bit shocking, but I think it is worth sharing in order to remember the consequences of sin.

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales

35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),

37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:32-37

Ananias and Sapphira

1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With 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.

3Then 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?

4Didn'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."

5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."

9Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."

10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Acts 5

I think everyone that reads this passage takes something a little different away from it. Think about the times that you should have done the right thing and did not. And then pray to the Lord for forgiveness…I know that I will.

God bless you. And this is for His Glory!

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