Check your heart
While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:4
Today’s reading is one of the most sobering passages in the New Testament. The story of Ananias and Sapphira isn’t just about giving money, it’s about the motives of the heart.
Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property, which in itself was commendable. The problem wasn’t that they kept a portion of the money, it was that they pretended to give all of it in an attempt to gain spiritual recognition. Their deception wasn’t just about money, it was about position, pride, and the pretense of being more generous than they actually were. Their sin was not the amount they gave but the lie they told to elevate their image before people, while thinking God wouldn’t notice.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, discerned their dishonesty. He reminded Ananias that the land and money was theirs to begin with and that it wasn’t about control; it was about integrity. And then Peter delivered the piercing truth: “You have not lied to men, but to God.”
That’s a powerful reminder: we may be able to fool people, but we cannot fool God. He sees past the words, past the performance, past the mask and straight into the heart.
We may not face the same immediate consequences as Ananias and Sapphira, but spiritual deception and hypocrisy still have damaging effects. Lies, even the subtle ones we tell ourselves or the image we try to project, slowly erode our character and distance us from intimacy with God.
Here are a few practical ways to “check your heart” every day:
- Ask Yourself the Hard Questions
- Why am I doing this?
- Am I trying to impress others or truly serve God?
- Am I being honest in my words, actions, and attitudes?
- Practice Confession Daily
Take time in prayer each day to invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart. If something is off, confess it immediately. Repentance isn’t condemnation, it’s a gift of grace that restores our connection with God. - Guard Against Comparison and Jealousy
Much like Ananias and Sapphira saw the praise Barnabas received, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing our lives with others. That mindset opens the door for pride, jealousy, and dishonesty. Celebrate others’ wins without making it about you. - Pursue Integrity in the Small Things
Honesty begins in the quiet corners of life: taxes, timecards, conversations, and intentions. Living with integrity in the small things builds a heart that pleases God. - Let the Holy Spirit Be Your Guide
Invite Him to help you recognize when you’re drifting toward pride or pretending. He’s not here to shame you. He’s here to lead you into truth and freedom.
This story isn’t just a cautionary one, it’s a loving invitation to live in genuine authenticity with God. The Holy Spirit didn’t reveal Ananias and Sapphira’s lie to embarrass them, but to confront what was keeping them from fully walking in truth. They had an opportunity to confess and be restored, but they chose the lie instead.
Today I want to encourage you to bring your real self before God, without filters or façades. He already sees it all and still welcomes you with grace and truth. So check your heart today and let God search it. When He reveals something, don’t run or cover it, bring it into the light.
He’s not after perfection, He’s after truth. When you bring your heart into agreement with His, there’s no greater peace, purpose, or power.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:1-11
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
The Daily Dose 