A Thief

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 csb

In December 2008, four men, three dressed as elegant women in wigs, heels, and makeup calmly entered the Harry Winston jewelry store in Paris. The store held some of the most expensive diamonds and luxury pieces in the world. The robbers pulled out handguns, called the employees by their first names (they had done their homework), and filled bags with nearly $100 million in jewels one of the largest heists in history. They then vanished into the night without firing a shot. French police later called them part of the “Pink Panthers,” an international network of jewel thieves. Over time, some suspects were caught, but much of the loot was never recovered.

Our hearts are like that jewelry store. Inside, God has placed priceless treasures: life, faith, joy, and love. But Jesus warned us about Satan’s mission: “to steal, kill, and destroy.” The enemy seeks to rob us of our faith, kill our joy, and destroy love in our lives. The devil is crafty, and does this subtly. Like the jewel thieves he goes undercover, hides behind people in our lives, orchestrates stressful situations to cause our eyes to turn away from Jesus, stirring doubt about God’s promises. Once the seed of doubt has entered in thats when he begins to rob you.

But Christ came to give us abundant life, filled with faith, joy, and love. His nature is the complete opposite of the enemy’s. He calls us to remain in Him so that our hearts stay protected. When we choose Him, His Holy Spirit guards our hearts keeping the enemy from stealing what is most precious. “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 csb

Agape, Frank