Acts 5:1-13 KJV
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

One lie to God cost Ananais and Sapphira everything including their eternity. A person may lie to another person and no knows it. In fact it happens all the time. In fact we see government and the world of politicians as one of the biggest liars in the world, because somethings that are said are said by what they believe is common sense but it not according to the law or the law of individual state, or region. Some of the most common sense for one are is not common sense for another area. Now Ananias and Sapphira were human, their intellect we do not know but God strikes Ananias and Sapphira down when they came to church and said they gave all the money that they sold from a piece of property to the Lord. In reality they held some back. Why is this wrong, because in reality they lied to God about what they were giving to him. They however did not lie to Peter or the other apostles.

Until we get to verse 13 we might realize the real nature of the problem Ananias and Sapphira might not of been in a place they needed to be spiritually, but were used to teach a valuable lesson to the church. Their spiritual illness had to do with glorifying man and not God for the things the church was accomplishing in the name of Jesus. The idolatry may of had to do with I can lie to Peter because he is just a man. Yet Peter says the lie was not to me but the Holy Spirit. Whether the vow was made in the sanctuary or the heart, their promise to God was not carried out by knowledge of the Holy Spirit so he struck them dead for correction and warning to the church. Peter continued to set receiving the things given to the church for the work of the ministry of Jesus. No doubt he felt like Moses that day, leading a people whose Shepherd was the Holy Spirit.

If God can use the devil, and godly people, then we have to ask do we glorify man, the answer is no. We are to glorify God. How can anyone lie to God knowing he is all knowing? It simple it started with sin in the human heart and it grew into outward sin for Ananias and Sapphira. It would cost them eternity. It cost them their soul. For Adam's lie cost him paradise.

It is sad to think one mistake cost a person so much, yet God knew more about Ananias and Sapphira heart then what was written. There things not for our knowledge if it within the heart or soul of our humanity. God's judgment truly is not ours, but God knows what he is doing. This set fear among the people, but it also caused them to glorify/lift up the apostles. No glory was due their name. Maybe their cross was such as Christ, may be not deserving, but they paid a price for actions that honor God. A true mayrter not one who will not sacrifice for God. I struggle with that principal and I sure other Christians do, do you lay your life down for another, or do you hold on to your life in disobedience to God to only loose it. Ananias and Sapphira disobedience was a lie. Being honest with God because he knows your heart and your humanity. He will not burden you down with more then you can handle, though at times it feels that way.

Dear Heavenly Father, you are merciful and wise beyond our understanding and your blessings come with our truthfulness to you and your word. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: James 3:13-18 KJV
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.