How Not To Give To God

​The search for a perfect church is an age-old quest, often pursued by those who grow frustrated with the imperfections, hypocrisy, and flaws they witness in their congregations. A well-known story tells of a man who sought guidance from the great theologian Charles Spurgeon, requesting help in finding a "perfect group of God’s people." Spurgeon’s reply was both witty and convicting: if the man found such a group, he should not join it, for upon doing so, it would cease to be perfect. This story captures the reality that there is no perfect church, only imperfect believers worshiping a perfect God. The church is a community of flawed individuals, sinners saved by the grace of God, striving together as the imperfect body of Christ, continually refined through the work of Jesus Christ.
 
From the inception of the church in the book of Acts, the first Christian community was far from flawless. Though it was spirit-filled, growing, and devoted to sharing, it was not without its challenges and imperfections. This acknowledgment of imperfection is a comfort to modern believers who struggle with their own failings. In examining the early church, particularly the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we learn how sin, pride, and deceit were handled in a godly and reverent manner, with the goal of preserving the holiness and integrity of the body of Christ. By exploring these themes, we gain insights into how we, too, must navigate our imperfections and confront sin within our own communities today.
 
 
Acts 5:1 - 10
The Imperfect but Giving Church
In the early days of Christianity, the church was a vibrant community marked by a spirit of giving and sharing. Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, describes how early believers had all things in common and shared their possessions with anyone who had a need. This contagious generosity became a hallmark of the church as selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others became the norm. One prominent figure highlighted in this period was Barnabas, a man who sold his land and willingly gave all the proceeds to the church to aid those in need.
 
Barnabas’ generosity was sincere—he sought no recognition, approval, or praise from others; his giving was purely an act of worship to God. He gave openly and without pretense, setting a powerful example for the community. However, this public act of charity sparked a darker response in a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. Driven by the desire for recognition, they sold a piece of land and gave the money to the church but secretly kept a portion of it for themselves. While there was nothing inherently wrong in keeping part of the proceeds, the sin came in their deception: they told everyone they had given the full amount.
 
The Consequence of Deceit
Acts 5 provides a chilling account of the consequences of Ananias and Sapphira’s lie. Ananias brought the money to the feet of the Apostles, expecting praise and blessings for his supposed generosity. Instead, Peter confronted him, saying, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.” Peter emphasizes that the sin was not in withholding the money but in attempting to deceive the church and God by falsely claiming complete generosity.
 
The gravity of this lie is highlighted in what followed: Ananias immediately fell dead at Peter’s feet. Three hours later, unaware of her husband’s fate, Sapphira reaffirmed the same lie when asked about the sale, leading to her death as well. News of this event spread quickly through the early church, and a great fear fell upon the congregation. This severe judgment has often been the subject of debate, with many questioning why God would respond so harshly to what may seem like a minor act of dishonesty. However, a deeper examination reveals the profound significance of their sin.
 
The Sin of False Spirituality and Pride
Ananias and Sapphira’s sin went beyond merely withholding money; they were guilty of pride and false spirituality. Their goal was to appear more righteous and generous than they truly were, seeking admiration and praise from the church. In doing so, they lied to the Holy Spirit and attempted to deceive God’s people. Peter’s rebuke—“why have you let Satan fill your heart?”—underscores the spiritual danger they had fallen into, succumbing to the great temptation of pride.
 
The act of deception carried significant spiritual implications. Their lie was not merely a failure to meet human expectations but a direct offense against God. As Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us, “There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord in a family.” God’s hatred of deceit is clear, and Ananias and Sapphira’s punishment served as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, especially within the community of believers.
 
 
Dealing with Sin in the Church
The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a powerful example of how the early church dealt with sin, particularly the sins of pride and deceit. The church, in its infancy, was vulnerable to such spiritual dangers, and God’s swift discipline ensured the preservation of its purity. While the punishment may seem harsh, it demonstrated the seriousness with which the early church treated sin. Peter could have easily taken their money and overlooked the lie, but God, in His sovereignty, chose to expose the sin and deal with it decisively.
 
In today’s church, we may not see such immediate and severe consequences for dishonesty or pride, but God’s desire for holiness among His people remains unchanged. Too often, congregations overlook or ignore sin within their ranks, choosing to avoid confrontation because it is messy or uncomfortable. Yet, as commentator Ajith Fernando writes, “If there is true fellowship in a Christian community, then when sin appears in the body, it will be confronted.” Sin that is left unaddressed festers and damages the integrity of the church, ultimately dishonoring God.
 
 
Confronting Sin with Love and Prayer
Confronting sin within the church is never easy. It requires wisdom, love, and humility. As Jesus instructs in Matthew 7:5, “First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Before confronting others, we must examine our own hearts, ensuring that our motivation is pure and our goal is not to shame or judge but to restore and encourage repentance. Confrontation should always be done in love, with the hope of leading the individual to acknowledge their sin and turn back to God.
 
Prayer is essential in this process. Before confronting someone, we must seek God’s guidance and ask for His wisdom. Are we being led by the Spirit, or are we acting out of frustration, revenge, or pride? As much as we are called to confront sin within the church, we must also guard against becoming judgmental or self-righteous.
 
Conclusion
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin, particularly within the community of believers. It highlights the dangers of pride, deceit, and false spirituality while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the purity and integrity of the church. Though there is no such thing as a perfect church, we are called to confront sin with love, humility, and prayer, always seeking repentance and restoration. As imperfect people worshiping a perfect God, we must strive to reflect His holiness, guarding our hearts from the influences of pride and deceit, and remaining true to the mission of the church: to bring honor and glory to God’s name. Through the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the church continues to be shaped and perfected, despite its flaws, as a testimony of God’s redemptive work in the world.

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