No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 5:13-14
This verse comes immediately after the death of Ananias and Sapphira. Not surprisingly people no longer “dared join” the believers lightly. Perhaps Ananias and Sapphira had tried to give the impression that they were committed to the church by making a large donation. Perhaps they were trying to make themselves look good in the eyes of the believers. Perhaps they were trying to gain acceptance by being associated with something new and exciting. But God wasn’t fooled. Making what appeared to be a sacrificial offering, yet being deceitful, revealed what was really in their hearts. God couldn’t risk Ananias and Sapphira’s casual attitude spreading through his brand new church and they both died.
The ones who were “added to their number” were the ones who had made a genuine believed. They made a wholehearted commitment to the Lord. We then read of miraculous healings. The power of God was obvious (verses 15-16). God’s power doesn’t manifest itself when there’s a casual attitude. God isn’t found by the casual seeker. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
We may be able to create a good impression. We may make large donations to the church. We may appear to be sacrificial but God knows our heart. The church is no longer brand new so we’re unlikely to be struck down by God because of a casual attitude. However, we will miss seeing God’s power displayed if we aren’t genuine believers.
