By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

People who develop the habit of telling lies make themselves slaves of those they lie to. They also erode their greatness and value, before God and man. We should be truthful to ourselves and to others, at all times. It is very dangerous to be a people-pleaser desirous of the praise of men. A young man in the Bible once came to David and claimed that he had killed King Saul, expecting to be rewarded. But it was a lie that resulted in his death as he impetuously took credit for killing the anointed King of Israel, a treasonable act in itself. Similarly, Ananias “…fell down, and gave up the ghost” after hearing Peter’s words. He was not prepared for this outcome. His plan to live a great and highly acclaimed life in the future ended abruptly.

People lie today, but they do not die in the manner that Ananias did. Their death occurs in an experience similar to that of Adam and Eve: they are instantly separated from God. Death is separation; and when anyone tells a lie today, their soul is separated from God, though they may still be talking and moving about, until they yield to physical death in the course of time. Sadly, there is no transformation or eternal life after death for those who die without turning away from their sinful, unjust and filthy lifestyle. We should be careful to avoid the danger that befalls those who are people-pleasers.

The unfortunate case of Sapphira shows that people who seek private promotion are hardly aware nor do they care about the eventual fate of their sin partners. This makes them think that liars will continue to live and enjoy privileges they could not afford in any other way. We must be wary of agreements or unity in deception that can jeopardise our lives and standing before God. If the devil knows that a person wants the praise of men, seeks recognition, craves publicity or exaltation at all costs, he will go through that door to “get an advantage” over him, and this could result in a destiny of suffering in all eternity.

We must make up our minds against living in pretence, lying and deception. In fact, we are commanded to “lie not one to another,” but to obey and think before speaking and meditate before acting. We must ensure also that we are not lying with our silence. The reason people tell lies is because they are “fearful and unbelieving,” and dissatisfied with what they have. Such persons are living outside God’s kingdom. We must not fail to “continue…in the things which (we have) learned… That (we) may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” That is how we can influence others to turn to the Lord and possess the assurance of heaven.

Ananias and Sapphira were in agreement under Satan and did not go unpunished. Those who follow their footsteps and “speaketh lies shall not escape.” In the end, they shall perish if they die without repentance.

It is good to be united at home, but it has to be in line with the scriptures. The Lord condemnsany agreement reached with anyone that is outside the bounds of the scripture. Couples, who are believers, should emulate the example of a notable couple in the Bible, Aquila and Priscilla, whose lives were fully conditioned by the requirements of the scripture. Likewise, parents who do not want to gamble with their eternity must not endorse any unscriptural decision or action of their children, because nobody can get to heaven through supporting evil.

If the apostles had queried, challenged or condemned Peter while he dealt with the case of Ananias and Sapphira, the power of God would not have continued in the early church. But they were all in agreement in the Spirit without self-centredness. Their example is instructive for us to follow in order for our churches to experience fresh revival and genuinely savesouls, while believers are sanctified and filled with the power of the Holy Ghost.

• Further reading (King James Version): Acts 5:3,4,8,9,11-14. Acts 5:1-4. Acts 4:32-37; 2:44-46; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; John 12:43; Matthew 23:5,6; 2 Kings 5:20-27; Luke 16:15. Acts 5:5,6; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Revelation 22:11-15; Ephesians 4:27; 2 Corinthians 2:11-15. Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8,27; 22:15. 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Psalm 50:18,19,22; Proverbs 19:5,9. Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:15-19; 2 Timothy 1:16-18.Acts 5:11-14; Ephesians 4:11-13; John 17:21-23.