The Importance of Truth in the Christian Life: Lessons from Acts 5

 “The Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit . . .’”

Acts 5:3

Dear Friends,

Why Truth Matters in Every Area of Life

Truth is a crucial concept in every avenue of life. Without it, the essence of a thing – a thought, an action, a response – becomes a false shadow of reality. One thing is certain: God can never be fooled by lies. This reality underscores the importance of truth in the Christian life.

The Role of Truth in Marriage and Relationships

Marriage, one of the most intimate human relationships, must be anchored in truth in order to survive and prosper. Sadly, many couples merely coexist without trust or emotional safety because truth is missing. After the wedding day fades into memory, these couples spend their lives trying to stay afloat in a sea of lies, half-truths, insincerity, and heartbreak – both between themselves and sometimes with others.

While every marriage experiences struggles as two different personalities with varying perspectives come together, truthfulness, when practiced in love, can smooth even the roughest patches. Dad and I have certainly faced our share of difficulties over the years, but we have worked hard to be truthful with one another, even when the truth was uncomfortable or painful.

Putting on the Belt of Truth Daily

Today, we celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary. To commemorate the day, I gave Dad a leather belt I had made myself after taking a leatherworking class. As I worked on it, I couldn’t help but think of the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians: we are called to daily put on the belt of truth. Truth is not only essential in marriage; it is foundational to every area of life. Satan traffics in lies, and when we believe or repeat them, hardship and destruction often follow. Integrity protects us.

A Sobering Lesson from the Early Church

A sobering example of what happens when truth is abandoned is found in the early church. One disastrous decision involving deception turned into a life-and-death situation.

The believers, still rejoicing in the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, were united in heart and mind. They shared freely with one another, and as a result, no one among them was in need. Some believers even sold land and donated the proceeds so that resources were available whenever needs arose.

What Ananias and Sapphira Teach Us About Integrity

Unfortunately, not everyone who gave did so with a pure heart. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, saw an opportunity to gain recognition and praise without full sacrifice. They sold a piece of property, secretly kept back part of the money, and presented the remainder as though it were the entire amount.

The issue was not that they kept some of the proceeds – it was that they lied about it.

Why God Takes Truth So Seriously

What they failed to consider was God’s omniscience. God, who knows every heart, revealed the deception to Peter. He confronted Ananias, accusing him of lying not only to people but to the Holy Spirit. The shock of being exposed caused Ananias to fall down dead.

About three hours later, Sapphira arrived, unaware of her husband’s fate. Peter gave her an opportunity to speak the truth by asking whether the amount given represented the full price of the land. Sadly, she doubled down on the lie. Peter told her that she had conspired with her husband to test the Spirit of the Lord and announced the tragic news:

“Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

Immediately, Sapphira fell dead. The men who had just buried Ananias carried her out as well. News of this shocking event spread quickly, and great fear seized the entire church.

Living with Integrity in a World of Lies

While such dramatic consequences for lying may not always occur today, that does not make truth any less vital. God acted swiftly in this moment to teach the young church who He is and to warn them about the seriousness of sin. We would be wise to pay attention.

So how are you doing? Whether you are young or old, single or married – even married for 36 years – the importance of truth in the Christian life cannot be overstated. Put on the belt of truth and walk in integrity every day. God is never fooled by lies, and trust, safety, and even life itself hinge on truth.

Love,

Mama

If this message encouraged or challenged you, take time to reflect and commit to walking in truth and integrity. Please share it with someone who may need the reminder, and feel free to reach out to me through the contact page at www.versesfrommama.com.