“And Kept back Part of the Price.”
MANY after reading the account of Ananias and Sapphira, in Acts, fifth chapter, are ready to cry out against such hypocrisy as is here manifest, when perhaps should they examine their own hearts in the light of God’s word they would find themselves guilty of the same things for which they were condemned. The guilt in their case lay not so much in keeping back part of the price as in the deception which was practiced by them. Covetousness which had not been wholly eradicated from the heart led them to this act; and to hide this, deception must be used. Is it not the case that covetousness or some other sin equally great is working in the hearts of individuals at the present time, causing them to keep back part of the price, even after they have publicly professed to have given all for Christ? Are they not more guilty on this point in the sight of God than were Ananias and Sapphira? It was not required of them to dispose of their possessions and lay all at the feet of the apostles, but it is required of us that we present ourselves to the Lord, Rom. 12: 1, and not only our bodies, but all that belongs to us is to be sacrificed on the altar—time, talents, influence, reputation, friends, property, prospects, hopes, fears—all these are to be laid at Jesus’ feet. Who of all that profess to have given themselves to the Lord have paid the whole price? While we fully believe that Jesus will accept nothing short of a whole sacrifice, would it not be well to examine our hearts to see if all is on the altar. Suppose an individual of wealth enters the service of the Lord and only a part of that wealth is put on the altar, the rest reserved to draw upon if the promises of God shall fail, is not that person keeping back part of the price, and can he expect to have the favor of God here, and at last be received at the right hand of God, to enjoy glory and honor in his kingdom? Or suppose one who enlisted in the service of Christ has talents, and those talents are withheld from the Lord, is not that person keeping back part of the price? and can such individuals ever expect to hear it said, “Well done”? How often do we see and hear of individuals who have professed to have given all for Christ, who are not free, but are in bondage, being unwilling to spend their time, talents, and money, in his service. Calls for help come from all directions; but for fear of losing reputation, friends, or property, they are unheeded. Who of our readers are keeping back part of the price? Let each one ask the question, “Is it I?” Soon the servants will be called, and will be reckoned with, and shall we be cast one side with the wicked and slothful servants, to be cut off forever, or shall we be so happy as to hear the Master say, “Well done! thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? May this last be our position when the Master comes.—Woman and Her Work.