The spirit of entire consecration laid hold of the early church. When their minds were quickened by the Holy Spirit to see that Jesus had given himself for them, they gave themselves wholly to him. This included that which represented their past effort for themselves. And so “as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet.” This set a high standard of consecration in the church. An attempt was then made to have the reputation for such a complete consecration without having the actual experience. “A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price.” This pretending to give all while keeping back a part was called by the apostle Peter an effort to tempt the Spirit of the Lord. The money could be divided, but the heart cannot be divided. They gave some of the money, but none of the heart. Keeping back a part of the price was keeping back the whole of the heart. A partial consecration is no consecration at all. This case was put on record for our instruction and warning. Who among us is doing the same thing? He who gives all receives all.