The Power of Money

Scripture – Acts 5:1-6: ¹Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ²With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. ³Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” ⁵When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

Reflection: – That seems like a bit of an understatement – “great fear seized all who heard what had happened.” News of this would certainly get people’s attention. Apparently God is serious about this.

This touches on yesterday’s thought about loosening my grip on stuff. Here the focus is on money. I have to admit, I am sorely tempted to hang onto money. Even though I know way better, there’s still a part of me that finds comfort in a healthy bank account. Dealing with that continues to be a spiritual growing edge for me.

I think the real key here is Peter’s charge, “You have not lied to men but to God.” I’ll keep that in mind today. I’ll loosen my grip on the money God has supplied. The best way to do that for me is to give it away – at least, some of it.

What role does money play in your life? How does it impact your spiritual life?