Several years ago there was a realty company called Another Fast One. When I first saw their sign, I recall wondering whether they were trying to scam folks out of their homes based on the speed with which they built homes and sold them. But, they were built with integrity by a Christian contractor and made to last.
Have you ever felt as though a Christian was trying to pull a fast one on you? Have you ever tried to get over on God? Something to chew on as we ingest today’s Holy Nougatâ„¢
With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but he brought the rest and put it at the apostle’s feet. Acts 5:2 NIV
Wow
Now that’s what I’d call pulling a fast one! Ananias sold his house (perhaps because that’s what other believers were doing) and prepared to present the moneys to Jesus’s disciples. The catch was, he conspired with his wife Sapphira, to KEEP some of the funds while pretending that he was giving the lump sum to the church.
The trouble was, he FAILED to Recognize God’s omniscient presence. That was the second mistake. (The first was opting to withhold the funds from God!)
For some of us, this Nougat seems to have little value to our day to day existence. We are faithful tithers and, for the most part, own limited/no property so this would not be our station. But what about our ‘natural’ gifts? You know, the ones from which we make a living. Have we honestly dedicated them for God’s glory? When using those gifts and talents, do we hold back if it’s church work, or when someone who “CAN’T” afford our services? Do we (dis)/honestly give back to God less than our best?
Let’s understand this – God doesn’t NEED our help to get things done in this world. Including us in any plan is an act of Love, as we are elevated to the status of co-laborers and therefore contributors to this Love relationship. And, considering that our gifts are actually given to us by God, withholding when we give to God is really about shortchanging ourselves.
Perhaps it’s time for a bit of spiritual house cleaning and introspection. For, if the Spirit of God is whispering to us, then we need to break up our folly ground (i.e. correct such behavior) ASAP. And if we feel that a breakthrough is pending; let’s not allow the deceiver and accuser of the saints to hold such against us and so sully our relationship with our ever-loving God. Nope, not this time around.
Lord
Please convict us of every act of withholding from you; whether it be our time, talents, or treasure. Help us to genuinely, intentionally and willingly surrender our all to You, for Love’s sake we pray, Amen
