Living with Integrity
OPENING PRAYER:
Gracious God, as we open our bibles and explore Your Word today, help us to understand the importance of integrity in our walk with You. May Your Spirit guide us to live truthfully and faithfully. Amen.
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
This passage tells the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property but kept part of the money for themselves while claiming to have given it all. Peter confronts Ananias, revealing the deceit and the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:1-4
REFLECT:
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder of the importance of integrity in our relationship with God and others. Their actions were not just a financial misstep but a spiritual one, as they attempted to deceive the community and, ultimately, God. This narrative highlights the old heart's tendency towards self-preservation and deceit, contrasting sharply with the new heart's openness and honesty.
Integrity is foundational to our faith. It means living consistently with our beliefs and being truthful in our actions and words. The early church's power and unity were rooted in their integrity and transparency. They were not perfect, but they were committed to living out their faith authentically. This challenges us to examine our own lives and consider where we might be tempted to compromise our integrity.
In a world that often values success over honesty, maintaining integrity can be difficult. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Our integrity is a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. When we live truthfully, we reflect God's character and invite others to experience His grace and love.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will focus on Jesus and not myself as I make my commitment to All Things New.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the example of integrity we see in Your Word. Help us to live truthfully and faithfully, reflecting Your character in all we do. Strengthen us to resist the temptation to compromise and to trust in Your provision. Amen.