Ananias and Sapphira: Show Christians: Hypocrisy

Ananias and Sapphira:  Show Christians: hypocrisy

“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”   Matt. 23:28   NKJV

Phony spirituality is contagious!  It spreads quickly!

Usually when one Christian sees another getting away with something, they find it easier to try it themselves or justify their actions and words.

For every person who operates in the power of their flesh, rather than the Spirit of God, for every person who lives for the praise of man rather than the glory of God, the effectiveness of the Church is reduced so much more.

If God had permitted Ananias and Sapphira to continue their charade, it would have destroyed the witness of the Church.  He had to act decisively.

Unfortunately, over the years, Show Christians have defiled and diluted the witness of the Church, and has far removed the uniqueness of Christianity.   It is very possible that we may even find it difficult to recognize our hypocrisy.

We understand hypocrisy to be a deliberate and conscious effort to deceive, as it was with Ananias and Sapphira.

It may be that we have simply fallen into the unconscious habit of protecting our saintly image, covering our carnality, keeping people from knowing what is going on in our hearts and in our homes.  That is easier than committing ourselves totally to Christ and letting Him live through us to make the changes He desires to make.

This form of hypocrisy has become a way of life in the Church today, and may be the reason we are not making any great impact on our cities, states, family, friends===our godless world.

The lingering question remains:  Which is more important to us----to maintain the appearance of spirituality or to be genuinely what God wants us to be, no matter the cost or loss?

We all know that cultivating the ‘image’ alone leads to death…..death spiritually …..death to our witness……death to our church…..and death to growth in relationships.

Are there any situations in your life that you know are not right before God?

Any hidden sins?    It is a heart matter.

If Jesus were to come this very second, would your heart be ready for His examination?

God can use honest, open people who will be a light for Him in a dark world.   When we are open to Him, He will produce in us the life and light of Jesus which means an abundant life, joy, peace and favor.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”   1 John 1:9  NKJV