Jesus said "If you love me you will obey my commandments". Jesus modeled obedience to the Father up to death knowing that this will give Glory to the Father. We are also in the journey to obey God and live in righteousness. As we progress we will be tempted continuously to test our faith and most of the testing happens inside us. When no one is watching, when we are alone, when we are idle or when times get busy. You might have heard someone saying "there is always someone watching up there!" God knows what we are doing and what is in our hearts. Today is another reminder that we should develop integrity in Faith. We should always keep in mind that there is someone watching. We need to please the Father and make our Savior Jesus Christ happy with our action.
There was a story in the book of Acts about a couple who were part of the Believers together with the Apostles.
Acts 5
1 Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. 2 He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge; he brought only part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land? 4 Before it was sold, did it not belong to you? And when it was sold, was the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God!” 5 When Ananias heard these words he collapsed and died, and great fear gripped all who heard about it. 6 So the young men came, wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, but she did not know what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me, were the two of you paid this amount for the land?” Sapphira said, “Yes, that much.” 9 Peter then told her, “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” 10 At once she collapsed at his feet and died. So when the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the whole church and all who heard about these things.
The story maybe brutal as it seems however during those times all believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any possessions was his own, they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them.
Acts 4
32 The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but everything was held in common.
- Acts 2:44 All who believed were together and held everything in common
- 1Pet 3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.
33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 34 For there was no one needy among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales 35 and placing them at the apostles’ feet. The proceeds were distributed to each, as anyone had need.
- Isa 58:7 I want you to share your food with the hungry
- and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people.
- When you see someone naked, clothe him!
- Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood!
36 So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and placed it at the apostles’ feet.
One way of looking at it brothers and sisters is that we would never know when will our death end be. Nothing kept in secret would not be exposed. Let us always remember that our actions and decisions should be pleasing in the eyes of God. The hardest testing we all face is our battle inside us and the question of integrity. Let us always examine ourself to correct our action and go back to the right path. May we always have the strength, may the voice of truth always be stronger in us. May the Holy Spirit be in control in us always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
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