S)"1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet."
Acts 5:1-2 (NASB)
O) The Bible says that the man is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23), so when a marriage fails, I tend to blame the husband. This story of Ananias and Sapphira is no different. The piece that seems so telling to their failing, and Ananias' failing as the husband, is where it says "with his wife's full knowledge..." What I think this is really indicating, is that Ananias used his wife's acquiescence as permission. I think a lot of men, husbands, do this to their detriment. It is dooming for a man to act unrighteously because his wife is being an enabler. It's immature and irresponsible, also, to blame the enabler. Even if it was his wife's idea in the first place, as the husband, he must be able to determine what is right before God and have the integrity to see righteousness fulfilled. He didn't #MANUP116 and I believe his wife's blood was on his hands.
A) This is just another example of how I must be able to lead my wife. Sometimes we'll rationalize unjust or irresponsible behaviors because we're both basically giving the other person permission. This is usually manifested with food we shouldn't be eating or money we shouldn't be spending. And, despite the fact that we both know that we should be acting with more restraint, or self-control, or responsibility... even though we know this equally it is still my duty, my charge, even my purpose to step up and stand firm for what is right. I need to be "the bad guy" - which is terrible for two reasons. First, it's actually being the good guy. Second, my wife loves me when I take that kind of leadership. She wants me to be firm in righteousness, even when - or especially when - it's telling her that we shouldn't do something.
P) Father, help me step up my game, here LORD. I need to lead my wife in righteousness. I need to be her head and stand firm in righteousness. Help me tell her no, even when we both want something. Even to say, especially when we both want something that we shouldn't have. Help us continue to put our money in Your hands, and ask how You want it to be spent. Help us continue to view food as sustenance and not therapy. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to do the right thing for my own sake, and for my wife's sake, and for our marriage's sake. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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