Recognition

  Acts 5:1-5

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Ananias and Saphira is a pretty sad story when you think about it. 

I mean how would you like to see on Sunday a guy just die on the floor because he was dishonest with his tithes. 

But when we read this story of Ananias and Saphira, I would like to point out a hidden problem they had.

 Now when we read this story, we think we would never do what they did. Yet some of us carry the exact same spirit as them.

Do you know what Ananias and Saphira's core problem was? 

Seeking recognition!  That was their motive. They kept part of the money and lied to the Church so they could look good in front of others. So that people could think they were the best of Christians. But yet their quest for recognition led them down a path of Gods wrath. 

And in the same way, the person that lives for recognition and the applause of men will fail in the Christian life.

When we live for recognition, I notice 3 things that will happen to us just like Ananias and Saphira.

1. Recognition tells God, "I want the glory, not you."

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

The first problem with recognition is that it seeks to be the one that is glorified. They want the attention and applause. In our life, we should always be striving to give the glory to God not ourselves.

1 Corinthians 10:31  "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

This reminds us that everything in life our work, actions, even our possessions—should point to God’s glory, not ours.

In your life, do you give the glory to God or keep it for yourself like Ananias and Saphira.

2. Recognition Stirs Up Pride

Ananias and Saphira has a pride problem. And pride will ruin whatever it is in. Consider what was Lucifers main sin problem. Pride! When we seek Recognition, we create a spirit of pride.

3. Recognition Destroys Integrity

When the reason we live our lives become about getting the glory and praise for ourself, it ruins integrity. Because when we only live right for others, sin doesn't matter when no one is watching. Beware of seeking recognition. You will find your integrity fade away.

4. Recognition Corrupts Everything You Do For God.

When the motive behind your actions is to be seen, praised, or admired by others,  everything we do for God becomes corrupted. Our ministries, fellowship, and spirituality become dirtied by our pursuit for praise. 

Ananias and Sapphira sold land and gave money to the apostles, which could have been a generous act of worship. But they kept part of the money secretly while wanting to appear generous in front of the church. Their desire for recognition corrupted the act. what could have honored God instead brought judgment.

As a Christian, we must beware of the snare of seeking recognition. 

So today, lets throw away our pride and seek to give God the glory!