It stands to reason that a thief would never attempt to rob anyone who had nothing of value. Breaking and entering only takes place because the thief wants the something of value that you possess. John 10:10 informs us of two things: First, it tells us that “The theif’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” The Christian will know who the thief is; the thief is our arch enemy, Satan. Since we are categorically told that his purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy, that fact is enough to let us know we need to pay attention.
When soldiers prepare for battle, a part of their training is to know the enemy. Be aware of tactics used. Know what they want. It’s no different in spiritual warfare. What does our enemy want to steal and kill and destroy? He wants to steal your joy, kill your inner peace, and destroy your effectiveness in God’s Kingdom. He will do whatever it takes to accomplish his purpose to steal, kill and destroy. He lies and deceives. He whispers words of hopelessness.
When one of God’s children blows it, our arch enemy doesn’t want you and me to dwell on the truth of God’s grace; He whispers that God’s wrath will create a living hell for us for the rest of our days. He whispers that life’s circumstances are nothing more than God’s anger; belying the fact of God’s love and forgiveness. The arch enemy doesn’t want you walking in the daily strength of God; he wants you wallowing in self pity. The arch enemy doesn’t want you focused on God’s plan for your life which leads to contentment no matter life’s troubles; he wants you blaming God for your woes, leading you away from your Father rather than snuggling secure in Father’s arms of love.
Satan hates you because He hates Jesus. He will never be anything to you and me but a thief with the sinister purpose to steal, kill, and destroy. His constant attacks on our mind is tiring, causing us, in times of discouragement to want to throw in the towel. I urge you, don’t dare surrender to the master thief. Don’t give victory to his purpose; concentrate instead on God’s purpose, which is the second part of our verse. Let’s read that verse in its entirety: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose (God is saying) is to give a rich and satisfying life.” While the arch enemy seeks to steal away all that is good; your Father seeks to give you riches of satisfaction for all the days of your life.
When we want to keep out a thief, we lock the doors. It’s no different in our spiritual world. Lock the door with declaring the truth of God’s Word, with praises for His goodness, and with prayer that calls upon God’s strength. When we lock the door to our mind and heart with God’s truth, the lies of the thief cannot enter, rendering him useless in his goals to steal, kill and destroy. When the Christian chooses God’s truth; the arch enemy’s lies cannot take a hold on our inner peace.
Let’s lock the door to the enemy and walk in God’s purposes.
