how come we don't drop dead at the altar?

We get this picture in our heads that Ananias and Sapphira were ill-willed, evil people. Like they were little demons among the people of God; but in reality they were just like you and me. They became "believers" and wanted to be noticed. I know in some way or another I too, want to be noticed. I want people to look at me and say "oh, wow she is so generous or she is such a great encourager or teacher, etc". And I think there is a bit of that in each of us.

So what makes us different that we don't fall dead at the altar of the church? I know people that have talked churches into spending thousands of dollars on projects based on the fact that it was only a loan. Yet the truth was there was no backing and there was no way to pay back that money. How come those people didn't fall dead under the wrath of God?

How is it that you and I escape the wrath of God? You will say by His grace through Jesus. Well, yes, but I mean how is it that I have not died at the alter of God with my dirty heart and ill-willed intentions?

I read about Ananias and Sapphira and how is it that my fate is not as theirs? Have not my intentions many times been to look like I am something better than I am not in front of the church? I mean really, isn't that what happened? They thought they were just lying to man, but they were lying to the Spirit of God.

Ananias and Sapphira serve as a warning for us and our level of pride. Proverbs tells us that indeed "pride comes before the fall". The only thing maintaining our breath is the grace and mercy of God. For some reason you and I continue to live and breathe because God, our Creator, still has plans and intentions for our lives. Let us live out these plans of His with humility and gratitude for all He has done for us and for the fact that we have not suffered the fate of Ananias and Sapphira.