EXPOSITION:
According to George MacDonald, “Half of the misery in the world comes from trying to look, instead of trying to be, what one is not.” The name that Jesus gave to this practice is “hypocrisy,” which simply means “wearing a mask or playing the actor.”
Hypocrisy is deliberate deception, trying to make people think we are more spiritual than we really are. Jesus continued to build His church on the biblical values and kingdom principles of honesty and integrity after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In the spirit of honesty and integrity, Barnabas sold his land and put the money at the feet of the Apostles. Ananias and his wife Sapphira wanting some praises from men also sold their land but kept part of the proceeds for themselves.
The real problem was not keeping part of the money but pretending to have brought all the proceeds. They were trying to be what they were not: that is putting on a lovely face to conceal the sins in their hearts.
The beauty of the Church is in the truth she stands for and the honesty with which she engages in business transactions. As nation possessors, we must do all we can to portray these values in increasing measures where the darkness approaches fastest.
Peter proved to the disciples that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we need not mess up with Him and thereby deny His Glory. We may not die physically but we may become a spiritually dead church with no life and influence in our societies.