Acts 5:4 (ESV)
You have not lied to man but to God.”
Corruption filled the soul of Ananais and Sapphira (Acts 5) only to be deceived that what lurked in the darkness would glory in the gloom. They should have known better that their sin will find them out. “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23) The cost of temporal pleasure buried in darkness is exorbitant. Fatal. What a tragic ending in this story!
A little white lie seems alright. Harms no one. Many times it is the peacemaker. Half truths to ease a conflict, to spare the hurts. Omission of certain facts to make claims. Distortion of facts alter the actual scenario. The world makes it light – we need to cheat to get ahead. Hoarding is self-care. The intensity and extent of a little white lie evolves into an exaggerated distortion and apparent corruption yet justifiable. The world is a web of wiliness, that we all know. Woe to wontanness!
Lies may succeed with man. However, no matter how deeply buried in darkness, God finds it. Surviving and thriving in this godless society calls for courage. To shine like stars in this dark depraved generation requires we switch on the light we carry in us – Christ. If there is anything sitting in the dark soul of our life, we need to drive it out. Terminate any corrupted deal immediately. Break the agreement with any spiritual pact. Brutally search ourselves before God searches us out. A purged vessel will only be fit to carry his light.
Cower no more in darkness. True courage calls out truth. Truth calls for courage. Courage is cultivated in the company of Christ. Courage is our marked confidence in Christ. Confidence is the fruit of freedom because the truth sets us free (John 8:32). Freedom is to live, and even fight fearlessly for the right cause. We do not fear any lack or even death. Truth tells us we can trust in God’s perfect love. His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:8).
Darkness leads to death. Dare to come out from darkness and face the light. Hear the words of Jesus in John 11:43, …he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” If you are diseased, dying or dead in the tomb of your soul – hear these words and remove your grave clothes and come out! Do not play and be played by the sins of your life. Be perfected in God’s love.
Come out in courage to confront and conquer!
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 20 May 2020.