Knowing Him Daily

17.October.2025

Obedience matters. Disobedience, no matter how small it appears, carries weight, sometimes instantly, sometimes over time, but always with consequences.

Ananias and Sapphira were part of the early church, a community alive with generosity and the power of the Holy Spirit. They were not strangers on the fringes but known and trusted among believers, their presence woven into the fabric of this new, vibrant body of faith. Many were selling their possessions and giving the proceeds to help those in need. It wasn’t required, but it flowed from hearts fully surrendered to God. Ananias and Sapphira also sold a piece of property, but they decided to keep part of the money for themselves while pretending they had given it all. They wanted the praise without the surrender, the appearance of devotion without the cost of it. Their standing in the community could not shield them from the gaze of a holy God.

Ananias and Sapphira’s story happened in the early church, under the new covenant, after Jesus’ resurrection. This wasn’t an Old Testament account from a distant time, it was in the very days when the church was alive with the power of the Holy Spirit. And yet, God did not overlook their deception. His character has not changed, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His mercy is great, but His holiness is unchanging. He shows no partiality, whether in judgment or in reward. What He sees, He will address, because He loves His church too much to let hidden sin take root.

Scripture says “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). Their story is not simply about money, but about hearts that longed to appear righteous rather than truly be righteous. Fear of what others might think can push us to wear masks, to pretend to be something we’re not. And fear, if we let it, will always find a way to justify itself. As that sharp reminder goes, fear will always attract whatever information is necessary to make its existence seem legitimate.

I can imagine Ananias that day, standing before Peter, convinced that no one would ever know. I can imagine Sapphira walking in later, unaware of what had already happened, still clinging to their carefully constructed lie. Man couldn’t see, but God saw what was hidden. Their deception wasn’t simply a mistake; it was a direct offense against the Spirit of God. The result was instant and both immediately fell dead. It wasn’t harshness, it was about holiness.

Fear of man can be subtle. It appears with good intentions, in reputation, in the longing to be accepted. When obedience requires honesty before God and others, because everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13). He is not after polished appearances. He is after hearts that are fully surrendered.

I’ve seen in my own life how fear can cripple or alter my choices , “What if they don’t understand? What if they reject you? What if it costs too much? And, if I give it that mental room, it grows louder than God’s voice”. But fear can only grow when we allow it to. The early church was shaken by what happened to Ananias and Sapphira, not because they were perfect people, but because God reminded them that His presence is not to be taken lightly.

Their story calls us back to truth. It reminds us to walk with integrity, to honor God with our actions, not just our words.

As we reflect on this sobering story, listen to “Refiner” by Maverick City Music. It’s a prayer wrapped in melody, asking God to purify our motives and refine our hearts until all that remains is truth.

Their deception shows how fear of man can drown out reverence for God. Jonah’s story reminds us what happens when fear leads to outright running.

https://youtu.be/UGFCbmvk0vo?si=r2bTFbso_p5CXafR

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, or if you’ve walked away, trying to do life your own way it’s not too late. He’s calling you back. He’s been waiting.

Return to Him today. Surrender your plans, your pain, and your past. He’s ready to restore, renew, and realign you with your divine purpose.

~ Dear Heavenly Father ~

Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the Cross just for me. I admit that I have sinned, and I repent. I ask You to forgive me. I believe that He died and rose again. Right now, I make Him the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. My sins are washed away, my past is forgiven, and my future is bright. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Make today count and see you tomorrow.