The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).
When we receive a summons from a court, or a letter from the tax authorities, we start to tremble.
Because, usually, the news is negative for our interests.
We have become accustomed to the fact that most of the time when a stranger approaches us spontaneously to offer us something, what we discover is that they are looking for their own personal benefit.
Therefore, it is very common that, when you share the gospel with someone, they are wary of your possible hidden intentions. And even more so when you tell him that it is a gift from God for anyone who chooses to accept it.
It’s something you’ve probably been looking for, because we all yearn for a full and meaningful life. But it sounds too nice to be true.
It is easy to think that it is like those promotions, where you go to pick up a gift and end up buying a timeshare apartment on the Persley Island.
Satan has done his job very well.
It has accustomed the world to evil. And it has done so in such a way that, when the salvation of Christ is presented, they reject it, because they are afraid of suffering the umpteenth deception.
At first glance, there is no way to tell the difference between a thief and someone who is not a thief.
In fact, many wrongdoers are tremendously affable and pleasant people when dealing personally with strangers.
Because if they look nice it is easy for others to think they are good. This makes it easier for them to let their guard down and take advantage of them.
Abundant life
Therefore, it is not surprising that in the Gospel of John, in chapter 10 and verse 10, Jesus gave us a promise with a warning:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Throughout our lives we will meet many strangers. People who need to receive Christ as Savior and have the abundant life that Christ gives to those who receive Him.
And we are here with the mission to tell the world that Christ has come for them to have that life.
But, to have a chance of being heard by the world, we have to make a difference to the thief.
Because they need to be able to see that we are not coming to steal their freedom or destroy their lives.
And it’s not about looking nice. It is a matter of leading a Christian life that demonstrates emphatically that Christ’s offer of an abundant life is real.
I am not saying that we should have a life of abundance and continuous laughter.
I am saying that our lives should manifest the joy and peace of God.
That is very easy in the midst of joys, but where it shows most is in the midst of difficult moments. And there is no need to hide these.
Because to achieve victory, you must first live the battle and fight to the end. Then we can speak with the authority of the Holy Spirit.
And for this, there is nothing better than letting Christ be the true Lord of our lives, and allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work within us.
In such a way that, when they look at us, they do not see us, but see Christ through us, so that they can then make their decision.
For it is impossible to mistake Christ for a thief.
God bless you.
Cover photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
En el Valle de Sombra de Muerte
A lo largo de nuestras vidas, todos vamos a pasar por valles de oscuridad y dolor.
Pero la Palabra de Dios da ánimo, y nos muestra cómo seguir adelante en dichos momentos, y vencer.
