The Thief

John 10:10

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly."

The devil is a thief--he wants to steal your joy, your peace, your health, your freedom (with legalism), your fun, and God's will for your life.

He knows he can't take away your salvation, but he can distract you from your purpose.  He can tempt you with frivolous things that are really just wood, hay, and stubble (see I Cor. 3).  He wants nothing better than to steal your rewards.  I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  Are we using our time wisely, or are we allowing the devil to steal our time, with vain, trivial activities?

The devil knows that he can make your life a hell on earth, if you will let him.  Is he tempting you with a mate that will make for a bad marriage?  Is he tempting you with purchases that will leave you strapped and zapped of financial peace?

I hope you get the idea.  II Corinthians 10:3 says that even though we walk in this physical world, we do not war against it, there is spiritual battle taking place.  Are you winning the battle?  Do you know how to fight the enemy?

We need to stop putting God in a box.  He wants to be the Lord of all areas of your life.  If you will seek His kingdom first (seek His will in all things, purchases, relationships, jobs, and more), then you will have the abundant life and the thief will have no hold over you!