Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Ananias and Sapphira. In back of all these we have Lucifer. Yet, in
spite of all these warnings, covetousness is widespread.
Its slimy track is seen everywhere. It creates conflict in
families, it encourages envy and hatred in the poor against the rich,
it prompts the rich to grind down the poor. And this evil exists not
just in the world but in the church. How common it is even in the
church to find selfishness, greed, neglect of charities, and robbery of
God "in tithes and offerings." Many a churchgoer comes regularly to
communion service, while among his possessions are hidden
unlawful gains, things that God has cursed. Many people sacrifice
their hope of heaven for a "beautiful Babylonian garment." The cries
of the suffering and poor are ignored, the gospel light is slowed
down in its progress, practices contradict the Christian profession,
yet the covetous so-called Christian continues to heap up treasures.
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me" (Malachi 3:8), says
the Lord.
The Difference Between Genuine and Forced Confessions
For one person's sin the displeasure of God will rest on His
church until the transgression is found and put away. The influence
the church should fear the most is not that of open opposers,
infidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent people who keep back
the blessing of the God of Israel and bring weakness on His people.
With deep repentance and searching of heart, let everyone earnestly
look to discover the hidden sins that shut out God's presence.
437