Lie

Dorma Guice
Feb 15, 2021
5 min read

Definition: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive.*

Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (357)

Read: Acts 5:1-11 for full context of this account

Acts 5:3 (NIV) Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

That Was Then

Very likely, whoever coined the phrase “oh, it’s just a little white lie” never read Acts 5. Ananias and Sapphira was a couple that made the Who’s Who of the early church, but didn’t necessarily receive an honorable mention. They were both sincere, GOD-loving, baptized disciples of Jesus who wanted to do good like other members of the church. However, we learned they were not as GOD-fearing as the others. Perhaps it would be better to back into this account from Acts 4:32-37 to capture the full context. From the onset the church experienced explosive growth with thousands added to the number of those being saved daily. The disciples witnessed miracles and wonders that never ceased. One miracle that can easily be undervalued is the complete unity in a church that size (Acts 4:32 (NIV) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.) Wealthier members like Barnabas, sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet (vs. 37).

Turning our attention back to Ananias and Sapphira, they endeavored to do the same thing; except they kept back part of the money for themselves and placed the remainder at the apostles’ feet. This, however, was not sinful. In fact, it was an extremely generous gesture as they had every right to keep as much of the proceeds of their sale as they wanted. The sin was they lied. Like some modern day church-goers who are more motivated by the publicity generated from their philanthropy than the sacrifice, this couple would not be outdone by Barnabas. To be fair, scripture does not reveal their motive for lying, but it does imply that Peter had a gift of discerning spirits. While Ananias and Sapphira thought they were merely fibbing to a few church members, they learned that they were lying to the Holy Spirit who not only governed the church, but in that moment was flowing through Peter.

Astonishingly, Peter never asked Ananias if their gift was the full amount (he only asked Sapphira, who lied in reply). The exchange between Peter and Ananias was more of a monologue as Ananias never uttered a word. He simply fell dead at Peter’s rebuke. His wife, however, forfeiting her opportunity to come clean when questioned, also fell dead at Peter’s command. For clarity’s sake, it wasn’t Peter who killed them; but GOD’s judgment for sinning against the Holy Spirit. To effectively govern a group this size an example needed to be made, just as with Achan and the Israelites (Joshua 7:19-26). I don’t think this was the press Annanias and Sapphira had in mind when devising this plan.

This is Now

Nothing makes a more compelling argument that our words contain spiritual power than lies. A lie is not just a string of untrue words and sentences spoken to force or elude an outcome. Lies do far more than that. They pack immense destructive power. Not only do they mock their target’s intelligence, they are the launching pad for greater sins that can ultimately lead to betrayal and gross violation if not tempered. Lies, like tattoos, are difficult to stop at the first one. Think of a time when you were lied to. How did you feel? Were you hurt, insulted or angry? Now, recall a lie you told someone. (C’mon, if you have a pulse and you’re old enough to put a sentence together, you’ve told at least one.) Again, how did you feel? Did you feel guilty, dirty or unworthy…? That’s because lies come through our mouths, but from our spirits. Moreover, when exposed, they don’t hurt our ears – they break our hearts.

One of the biggest lies ever exposed originated from Bernard “Bernie” Madoff, former NASDAQ Chairman and Wall Street investment securities firm owner who pled guilty and was convicted of defrauding his wealth management clients of over $64.8 Billion using the most elaborate private Ponzi scheme in history.

Fraud of this magnitude could not be pulled off by just one lie or one person for that matter. A thorough FBI and SEC investigation untangled an intricate web of deceit and indicted a number of co-conspirators. Madoff hooked his clients by offering modest but steady returns to an exclusive clientele using an investment model that he marketed as “too complicated for outsiders to understand”. “Madoff was often referred to as a "master marketer," and his fund was considered exclusive, giving the appearance of a "velvet rope." He generally refused to meet directly with investors, which gave him an "Oz" aura and increased the allure of the investment. Some Madoff investors were wary of removing their money from his fund, in case they could not get back in later.” **

The impact and aftershock of this lie was far greater than even Madoff could have imagined. Firstly, his family was completely dismantled. As it was his two sons who alerted the authorities upon learning the truth, one committed suicide by hanging and the other died shortly thereafter of cancer. His wife was forced to forfeit $80 Million in assets and possessions, and has been seen riding the subway in New York. Numerous accomplices (including his brother) are serving prison sentences. Several who had fallen victim to this sham lost their entire life’s savings, and a few of them committed suicide. Madoff's personal and business asset freeze created a chain reaction throughout the world's business and philanthropic community, forcing many organizations to at least temporarily close. Madoff is currently serving 150 years in prison and accountable to repay $170 Billion in restitution, proving the adage "it pays to tell the truth".

Who Said That?!!!

“The liar’s punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else.” – George Bernard Shaw***

What Do You Say?

AFFIRMATION: "The freedom of honesty is easier to live in than the prison of deceit. I tell the truth (even when it's hard) and I live in perpetual freedom."

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