GIVING WITH A RIGHT HEART
Acts 5: 1-11
Giving a gift or paying your tithe is one thing. But giving with the right heart is another. The heart refers to your attitude and your motives. How do you give? Why do you give your offering? What is at the back of your mind as you prepare and bring your offering to the altar? We have seen in previous studies that the “size” of your heart is more important than the size of your offering. The widow’s mite had more weight than those of some wealthy individuals!
The story of Ananias and his wife is a case study of how not to give an offering to the Lord. In the previous chapter, we saw how many believers sold properties and brought the entire proceeds and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Particular mention was made of Joses, a Levite, who the apostles nicknamed Barnabas, which means son of Comfort (Message bible). Barnabas was popular among the believers for his various acts of good works. His popularity must have caught the envy of Ananias and Saphira. Hence they decided to do what Barnabas did.
Beloved, it is not wrong to emulate good works, but it must be with a right frame of mind. This couple wanted the commendation of men. They went ahead to sell their property and brought part of the proceeds claiming it was the whole sum. They did this because they wanted to be clapped for. Your offering is between you and God. We said it at the beginning of this study that offering was and is still God’s idea. You must not give to impress man. Seek for God’s commendation, not man’s. Many of the offerings we give in church are not acceptable to God because of this wrong perception. Change that attitude today. Let God accept your offering. Stop seeking the adulation of man.
Another thing wrong with the couple was the lie. It was not wrong to keep back part of the proceeds. After all it was their property and no one compelled them to sell. They could have told the apostle that this was part of the proceeds and they would have been blessed. But why the lie? A lot of people do this today with their tithe and offering. Even though the envelope is fat, does the amount represent the ten percent of your income? Do you pay the actual first fruit? Does your offering represent your true worth? An offering of lies is not acceptable to God. Stop it and turn a new leaf.
Finally, the couple did not give in faith. They did not trust in God’s providence. If we bring all to the church, what shall we feed on? This must have been their question. If you trust God, you will give in faith. Nothing will be too big in your hand to offer God. They must have thought their giving was all about the apostles and doing the church a favour! It is not about the church and its leadership but about you and your Maker and Sustainer. May the Holy Ghost give us understanding.
MEDITATION: Thou hast not lied unto men but unto God!
