“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband” (Acts 5:1-10).
Another pride indicator is in thinking it would be easier to tell a lie in order to protect your so-called image. In the history of the early church we find a couple of prideful people. Ananias and Sapphira. They had sold a piece of property. They didn’t have to donate any of it to help the needy of the church. They plotted to give a portion of the money and claimed it was the full price. Others were giving great amounts and they didn’t want to be embarrassed. However, they weren’t lying to the church, they were lying to God. One at a time they came and shared their lie. Each one was struck dead. Their plot backfired.
When pride sets in, it seems we will want to say or do anything to cover up the person we’ve become. Lying becomes a progressive thing. After a while, you won’t know what truth looks like. If you see a red flag come up with any of pride’s indicators, it’s time to face the truth.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that many WAC groups and local churches will plan to observe PreThanksgiving Week of Prayer, November 12-16.
