Brandon: No matter what, truth is truth

Do you know anyone who handles the truth casually? Lying is such an offense that the courts even recognize it and call it perjury. Those who intentionally misrepresent the truth will face criminal charges of perjury. Even more important, Proverbs 6:16–19 lists lying as one of the seven things that God detests.

A couple in the Bible felt it necessary to lie. This New Testament couple, Ananias and Sapphira, casually handled the truth and it led to their demise. The account, found in Acts 5, details the early church and the dedication of the believers who supported the church with their hearts, minds and money.

In the early church, from time to time, believers sold their property or houses and brought the money from the sales to church to help those in need. As was custom, they laid it before the apostles’ feet and then the money was distributed to “anyone who had need.” (Acts 5: 35)

The story goes that Ananias and Sapphira had sold some property and lied about the selling price when it came time to present it to the church. I am sure that in their minds they thought if they could fool the apostles there at the church, then no one would know the difference. Yet, God knew the real story.

During church, Ananias, with his wife’s full support, came before the church and presented his money. In his stinginess, he acted as if that were the total price of the land.

Peter asked him, “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? You have not lied unto men but unto God.” (Acts 5: 3 - 4.)

Sometimes God’s judgment is not only sure but very swift. No sooner had Ananias lied than he fell down and died. Young men in the congregation came forward, wrapped up his body, carried him out and buried him. The Bible says that great fear seized all who saw and those who heard what had happened.

About three hours later, Sapphira showed up for church. She didn’t know about Ananias and Peter asked her, “Tell me. Is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said. “That is the price.”

Peter replied, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door and they will carry you out also.” (Acts 5:8-9).

Lying is serious. Sometimes little children will tell things that are not true, and parents must impress upon them the importance of telling the truth.

Yet, the real tragedy is that some of us who are not children lie and still think that we can get away with it. This couple, when they got into trouble, switched their stories to cover their real actions. They tried to “cover their tracks” so to speak.

Biblical history is replete with those who were forced to stand for something, stood firm, held their integrity and did not lie and held to the truth to the end. Stephen was stoned to death, Paul was cast in prison, Isaiah was sawed in half, Jeremiah spent time in a dark well, Daniel was thrown into a den with lions, Paul was cast in prison, John the Baptist was beheaded and Jesus was crucified for the truth.

Truth is truth and does not change with the wind or the circumstances. No matter who we are, lying is not acceptable. Only God is the judge but he is on the record about lying. For some, the lesson will be learned too late.

Judy Brandon is a Clovis resident. Contact her at:

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