Two opposite sides

John 10:10 'The thief comes not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy: I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.” Jesus reveals to us that there is an enemy against us, and He is not the enemy. The thief is bent on a single mission: to steal, kill, and destroy everything good in your life. He wants to destroy your income, your relationships, your health, your peace, your dreams, your family. He wants to ruin any blessings in your life and then get you to blame God for it.

The word 'thief” is translated from the Greek word 'klepto,” which means to steal. It gives a picture of a bandit or pickpocket who is so artful in the way he steals that when he steals, you can hardly detect it. You don't even know it happens, and you certainly don't know who to blame. Jesus uses this word to warn us that Satan is deceptive and subtle and would never want you to know he is the one taking from you. He wants you to blame God for it. This is where we get the word kleptomaniac which describes a thief's uncontrollable urge to get their hands on someone else's things, taking what does not belong to them. Often the devil is putting thoughts into people's minds that steal their future, their dreams, their self-worth, their joy. Fearful thoughts of failure, you don't deserve it, no one loves you, you're too poor, too big, too small, too ugly, and on and on. The Bible tells us to cast these thoughts down, to cast out devils, to resist the devil, and to give him no place.

The word 'kill” is translated from the Greek word 'thuo.” It means to sacrifice. It referred to the sacrificial giving of animals on an altar. It could also mean to surrender or give up. Jesus is telling us that the thief not only steals but he wants you to give up, to surrender. He doesn't want you to pursue the dreams God has put in your heart. He wants you to give up on your marriage, to give up on your job or business, to surrender your desires to help others and succeed at your dreams. He works against you to pressure you and discourage you until you actually believe it will never happen. I can just as well quit.

The last word is 'destroy.” This paints a picture of something that is ruined, wasted, trashed or devastated. This is how the devil views you. He wants to ruin you, get you to waste your life and your talents God has put in you. There are many ways he works to accomplish this, and it's almost always through indulgence. Laziness, overspending, drug or alcohol abuse, pornography, seeking pleasure. It all brings waste and ruin to the relationships that matter most to us.

Jesus wants you and me to know that He is the very opposite of this. He is not bringing you harm, loss, discouragement, destruction or ruin. He is the giver of life and life that is full or abundant. It is the life of God. It is above, beyond what is regular, extraordinary, even exceeding. It is super abundant! This is why the Bible tells us 'If God be for you, who can be against you.” When we know who our enemy is we can then resist him, defeat him, tell him to hit the road. We are not biting his bait anymore. He takes his fishing pole somewhere else. This is why Jesus gives us His name. It has authority in it. It is why Ephesians tells us, 'Stand against the trickery of the devil and put on the armor of God.”

Choose Jesus Christ as your Lord, ask His forgiveness and receive His abundant life. Put a stop on the enemy of your soul and life. You are 'more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you.”