Steal, Kill, Destroy

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 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 10:7-10 NIV)

It seemed right out of a soap opera.   A married man with children.  A young mistress.  A torrid love affair.  The wrath of a woman scorned. For three days, I listened to the sordid details of a marriage destroyed as a member of a civil court jury.  It was heart wrenching to see the brokenness of the individuals involved on both sides and the havoc wreaked by sin.  As I sat in the jury box listening, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in this passage.  

There is nothing redeeming about Satan.  His intentions are ONLY to steal, kill, and destroy.  Disguising sin as something alluring and exciting is his game.  He draws us into his trap by deceiving us, by blinding us to the actual consequences of our actions.  Like moths lured to the light of a fire, he wants us to see only the beautiful light, not the looming destruction that is an integral part of it.  And if we fall for it, there will be something stolen, killed, or destroyed.  

In the case I listened to, it was trust and love that were destroyed. Stable childhoods were stolen and consciences seared.   The sin that became so enticing has wreaked destruction not only on the lives of the principals involved, but will likely negatively affect their descendants. Sin is that potent, that destructive.  It may offer a temporary reward, but the price one has to pay is very steep.

Think about any sin, be it sexual immorality, greed, bitterness, dishonesty, etc.  They all lead to something being stolen, killed, or destroyed.  It may seem attractive at the time to engage in an adulterous or immoral affair, to set your hope on money or things, or to hold onto a grudge toward someone, but these temptations are designed to take away from you the wonderful life God has promised to those who love Him and submit themselves to Him.  Steal. Kill. Destroy.  

Today, recognize the power of sin to destroy, not only you, but also others around you.  It may look attractive, but what lurks behind that façade is a trap waiting to ensnare you and take away the life God has promised you.

© Jim Musser 2016