Text: Acts 5: 1-10
Memory Verse: “And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 5: 2).
The desire of God is to have men that are totally committed to serving Him, submitting their all to Him. As described in Leviticus 1: 1-17, you are to be an “object of a burnt sacrifice laid upon the altar completely consumed with fire,” sending a sweet aroma to the Lord. Just as the object of sacrifice is in a state of total surrender, so is the expectation of God over your life. The acceptability or otherwise of your service to God is largely dependent on how surrendered you are to Him. When you are in a state of total surrender, your motive will be to bring a sweet aroma to the Lord and not receive the praise of men or what you stand to gain.
Ananias and Sapphira were a couple that got motivated by the spirit of giving at work in the early church and decided to be part of it. Unfortunately, their desire was to show off and get the people to appreciate them rather than honour God. Their motive got them into trouble; it led them to grieve the Holy Spirit as they kept back part of the proceed of the property that was sold.
The consequence was death for both of them. As you engage in God’s service, have the correct motive of a burnt sacrifice by giving your all, keeping nothing back because all that you have is given to you by God and He only rewards complete obedience.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, help me to surrender completely to You.
2. Lord, have mercy on me in every area I have been keeping back my best from You.