Acts 5:1-10

Strong relationships do not happen by accident.  Relationships are not static, but rather they evolve and change over time.  Our relationship with God is no exception.  We can do many things to harm our relationship with God, and we can do many things to strengthen that relationship.  Living righteous requires that we make choices that strengthen our bonds of fellowship.

When we do something that is harmful, it does not necessarily break the relationship.  This is as true in human relationships as it is in our relationship with God.  Selfishness is a common human character trait.  We are born self-centered, and as we grow up, we learn to think of others and hopefully to put them first much of the time.  In a relationship, if one partner is extra selfish it will begin to cause strain on the relationship.  In most cases, it will not break the relationship instantly.

This is true in the story of Ananias and Sapphira.  Peter makes clear that they did not have to sell their land.  It was their choice.  God will not force us to be good stewards of the wealth he has entrusted to us.  He will work with us, and be patient with us.  He wants to teach us the joy that comes from being a blessing to others.  He wants us to experience what it means to trust him, and not the material things he has given us.  Once they had sold their land, they could have still chosen to give only a portion of the proceeds to charity.  Their lack of generosity was not what shattered their relationship with God and the church. Their willingness to allow Satan to fill their heart with deception shattered their relationship with God.

Lies shatter trust.  The Holy Spirit resides in the heart of every Christian.  When they lied to the Holy Spirit, they were lying to the whole congregation.  If unexposed, lies and deception can kill the church.  They died so the church could live.