Two Men, Two Attitudes, Two Different Results

Joseph, a Levite and a Cyproit by birth, the one of the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement,sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostle's feet. Then Peter said, "Ananias why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? Wasn't it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn't it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but God!" When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. The young men got up, wrapped his body and carried him out, and buried him. Acts 4:36- 5:6

Two men, two different hearts. Barnabas had an open heart, Ananias did not. Ananias wanted praise for a genre at effort, when it was a small effort and Barnabas did not care about the praise. Yet Barnabas received the praise and Ananias dropped dead.

In a day when men seek praise and lie and deceive, we are used to this behaviour, in men but in e Holy Spirit things are different. The Holy Spirit is pure, there is no deceit there, no flesh, no darkness, no, sin.

Peter was challenging Ananias' attitude. Ananias wanted the praise but the glory was the Lords, He alone deserves the praise. My attitudes, decisions and motives, if led by the Spirit are pure. When my behaviour is impure, it glorifies the flesh and ultimately Satan. Yuk! A good time for repentance. Amen!

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