Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?”

Acts 5:3 (NRSV)

Lying has consequences, or at least should. Today it would appear lying has become an art form, even garnering praise from others as somewhat noble! What a sad commentary on contemporary life. One can expect to find lying in the secular realm since it is predominately under the influence of old slew foot himself Satan, the father of all lies, but when it is pervasive in the church then we have a real systemic problem.

Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be charitable and sell some of the land they owned and give it to the Apostles. They did so but instead of giving as they said they would they withheld a portion for themselves. When asked they said that the amount given was the full amount they got on the purchase. They were struck dead for lying! WOW, now that is quick, and some might say extreme, punishment for what many would say was a small matter. To God however, this was a big deal.

Could you imagine, during an election season, what would happen if candidates running for office would suddenly drop dead while speaking to crowds? If this happened on a consistent basis do you think these politicians would end their constant lying? Why did God treat Ananias and Sapphira so harshly? Because they had taken an oath to God and lied while under that oath. Know anyone who has lied under oath? I can name a whole House and Senate full of liars and deceitful people. They all took an oath by swearing to God to uphold the laws of this land and defend the Constitution and have gone about doing as they please, while enriching themselves in the process. Now I don’t know about you, but a huge part of me wishes lying members of our political class would start dropping dead while speaking! Some might even be thinking of that used car salesman who sold them that lemon last year. Lying is serious business and God does not take kindly to lying lips.

22The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12

So then why do liars seem to prosper and get away with their multitude of falsehoods? Why isn’t the damage they do being punished to vindicate the victims? Those who wield unfettered power continue to gain even more power by deceitful practices and seem to be immune from any law and order, where is God?

9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 10But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Thessalonians 5:9-10

We’ve heard the old adage that give a man enough rope and he will hang himself, well this could be said of God who allows evil men and women to continue in their wickedness with the hopes that they will repent and turn from the evil ways, however, if they don’t judgement will be sure, swift and final!

Lying is a BIG DEAL, and there is no such thing as a little lie. Ananias and Sapphira learned too late that telling lies under oath is a death sentence!

I suspect before long to start to see corpses piling up around State Houses across the country and in D.C.