MOTIVE ASSESSMENT Sometimes it is very hard to come to terms with an assessment of our real motives. It takes a deep inner honesty when we finally reach a point where we stand before God under the scan of the Holy Spirit and make the decision to deal more with the unseen than with the seen world. In a New Testament context we see how much is required when tagging our intentions and motives in claiming to serve the purpose and will of God. It is so easy to become blinded by our ambition and self-interest. Spiritual maturity will ultimately call us to examination of our intentions and motives in the Name of God. Scripture provides us with a contrast that keeps us from falling into a insensitivity to wrong motives. It is the tale of two men of the New Testament who were named Ananias. Ananias #1 is a poster boy for symbolism over substance, religiosity over true faith (Acts 5:1-11). Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, were active members of the early Christian community, but they did not take the reality of God in the midst of that community as seriously as they should have. In fact, they openly lied to the early apostles about a community gift, suggesting they had make a sacrifice they really hadnt made. Ananias didnt have to sell his property; and even after selling it, he wasnt required to give 100 percent of the proceeds to the early church. But because he wanted to please others and build up his reputation, he lied about the extent of his generosity. And God killed him for it! Commentators are likely to soften this outcome a bit. They may speculate that it was the shock of being found out the proved fatal. Or perhaps it was the natural fright that follows any breaking of a religious taboo that led to a heart attack. But we must ask, are we supposed to believe that two people were this frightened--to the point of death--and that Peter was able to predict it in the case of Sapphira? One conclusion is inescapable, this account emphasizes the reality of the Holy Spirits indwelling presence in the church, and the solemn implications of that fact. St. Peter responded so solemnly when he predicted Sapphiras death (Acts 5:9) because so real was the apostles appreciation of the presence and authority of the Spirit in their midst. Tremendous good came out of this troublesome episode: Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events (verse 11). The early believers realized the Holy Spirit was not to be trifled with; God became real to them. As I grow in the faith, as I investigate the life of the early church, I must ask myself why we do not experience the power they experienced. I also wonder if we REALLY want that kind of power in our communities. Are we willing to live with the consequences of being entrusted with it? Could we even handle that kind of Book of Acts apostolic authority and power in this anything goes age we live in? We will look at Ananias #2 next time...
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 03:16:15 +0000
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