The Courage To Be Genuine
June 3, 2015 10:01 am christianityIn Acts 4:32-37 and 5:1-11, two groups of Christians emerge. The first group is represented by Barnabas–a genuine Christian. The second group is represented by Ananias and Sapphira–disingenuous Christians.
Genuine Christianity
“Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostle’s feet” (Acts 4:34-37). The beauty of Barnabas is manifested in this event. He truly was a son of encouragement. His actions were prompted by love. His selflessness, along with others, became a means of blessing the lives of those who were in need. These individuals became channels of grace and blessing! This is true Christianity in action. The result was unity of purpose and fellowship in grace.
Disingenuous Christianity
Disingenuous means insincere, fake or false appearance. Disingenuous Christians are hypocritical, pretentious individuals who claim to follow Jesus Christ, but their hearts are far from Him. Ananias and Sapphira were overlaid with Christian veneer. Veneer is a thin piece of wood that looks nice, but covers many imperfections. Used figuratively of this couple, we see that they appeared good on the outside, but inwardly they were corrupt. They allowed selfish interests to control their hearts. When that happens, Christianity is bound to be cheapened and ruined. This couple lied. They kept back a part of the money that they had while pretending to give it all to good works. They wanted the privileges and blessings of Christianity without purity of heart. They were not motivated by love and sacrificial giving. Instead, they were motivated by greed (desire for more and more), pride (sought the praise of men more than the praise of God), and jealousy (wanted the acclaim that Barnabas received without the sacrifice that Barnabas made).
The Reward of Iniquity
Ananias and Sapphira were both struck dead by God. The reward of iniquity. God cannot be mocked (deceived (Gal. 6:7; Heb. 4:13). God acted to protect the purity of the church. “A little leaven leveneth the whole lump” (I Cor. 5:6). God punishes the evil doer. His justice is a testimony to His righteousness.
While Barnabas is a source of encouragement to the church, Ananias and Sapphira were sources of embarrassment to the church. Ananias and Sapphira were selfish while Barnabas was selfless. Ananias and Sapphira were fakes and Barnabas was a genuine Christian. Ananias and Sapphira lost everything. Barnabas received the reward of righteousness.
Every Christian must manifest the courage of authenticity. Our actions must reflect our profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only Authentic Christianity will secure our standing as lights to the world (Matt. 5:14).