[474 words]
You may have heard of a couple of astronauts who are stuck in outer space and can’t return to earth until someone picks them up in February. That is a long time to wait for a ride home! Man has always been interested in the place we call “outer space,” but for all of our progress trying to conquer the “final frontier,” there is another frontier that needs even more work and exploration: Inner Space!
In Acts 5:1-6, the Bible gives a case where a man and a woman failed to conquer their own inner space, and it led to their destruction. In confronting Ananias and Sapphira, Peter alluded to five questions relevant to our inner space—the heart—that must be answered by us all.
“Why has Satan filled your heart…?” The Bible gives us a clear answer on this: Because he is the father of lies (John 8:44); because he is your enemy (1 Peter 5:8); and because he is the enemy of Christ and the church (Rev. 12). In order to conquer inner space, we must resist Satan’s temptations (James 4:7).
“…to lie to the Holy Spirit…?” Can we lie to God? No, because nothing can be hidden from Him (Ecc. 12:14). Ananias and Sapphira failed to realize that lying to the apostle was in effect lying to God, and the Holy Spirit, because of the authority they carried.
“…and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” Greed and selfishness can destroy us. Ananias and Sapphira wanted the apostles and the church to believe they sold the land and gave the entire proceeds. They wanted recognition for the gift, but to profit financially as well. To control our inner space, we need to beware of the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) and refrain from our desire to be seen among men (Rom. 12:3; Matt. 6:2).
“…was it not your own…was it not in your own control?” The offering was a “free will” offering. There was no set amount commanded (2 Cor. 9:7). Rather it is what we “purpose” in our inner space, our heart, that is important! There was no reason to lie, but their inner space was out of control.
“Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?” The simple fact is, Ananias and Sapphira made the plan in their own hearts, and executed it because their inner space was out of control. Their hearts were not right with God (Acts 8:22). In their hearts they hatched the plan (James 1:14-15).
Of all the frontiers, “inner space” is the most difficult to tame. Jesus says sinful actions from from within man (Mark 7:20-23). We can’t tame the heart on our own. Instead, we need the word of God (Psalm 119:9-11).
Matt Clifton
Judsonia church of Christ
Judsonia, AR