Leadership Qualities: Generosity Part 4

Ananias and Sapphira Pretended-Acts 5:1-11 (negative)

Leaders give of themselves liberally-as least, they did in the New Testament. The whole church enjoyed unity and generosity, and it all stared at the top. The example of the apostles spread a spirit of generosity throughout the whole church. Ananias and Sapphira pretended to give all the proceeds from the sale of their land. Their sin was not lack of generosity, but lack of honesty. They lied about what they had done. They wanted to be thought of as generous without paying the price.

Lets look more closely at the problem and itemize it. Ananias and Sapphira . . .

1. Clung to their possessions.
2. Agreed to lie about their giving.
3. Pretended to be someone they were not.
4. Thought they could get by with appearing to be generous.
5. Felt more concerned with their image than their relationship with God.

Many leaders struggle with the same issues. Not only do we live in a materialistic world, but we buy into the world’s economy. We think that if we grasp and cling to our possessions through our own cleverness, we will eventually “make it.” God’s economy is radically different. He is an extravagant Lord who gives generously to everyone with a need. He enjoys meeting the needs of His followers, directly or indirectly. He doesn’t merely give of His resources, but of Himself.

Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Generosity Part 5