Stolen Treasures

Another day the Lord has made!

Why am I writing about the devil and sin when many others preach about God’s goodness and our prosperity? This is what I’m told to do, for the Lord wants us to “have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10)”. This passage, however, is preceded by the following: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10)”. The Bible refers to Satan at least 90 times and if we ignore his existence, he has free mandate to rob us of our abundant life.

What is the abundant life mentioned in John 10:10? It’s to live like God does or in more practical terms like Jesus did. Although Jesus had available everything He wanted (even legions of angels – Matthew 26:53), all He was interested in was serving others. He healed, taught, trained, fed, delivered, released and cared for people. He challenged false prophets and opposing forces. Although Jesus could live in luxury if He wanted to, He never did, even though it was offered to him. Guess who offered it to Him. “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me’ (Matthew 4:8, 9)”. This is why Jesus warned us against Satan. He lures us into worshiping him (Mammon – Matthew 6:24) and then fulfils his promise – material prosperity, which we confuse with abundant life.

Jesus said in Matthew 19:24 “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" and to the rich young man “Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (Luke 18:22).” How does the devil steal from us? Through giving to us material and carnal opportunities, because he knows that once we’re entangled with maintaining a materialistic lifestyle, we won’t have the time to be like Jesus.

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:20, 21).” What are the treasures in heaven? Saved souls, a record of obedience, other obedient souls whom you’ve taught and encouraged, a Father pleased by your faith, people who were fed, healed and delivered and followed the Lord as a result. Where is your heart? What is it that motivates you?

The devil succeeded greatly in rendering parts of the church ineffective. Compare the first church with some of the church today. Everybody in that church was active in their gifts (Colossians 3:16) and it grew in power and numbers (Acts 19:20). Through introducing a lot of unbiblical activities Satan managed to get the greatest percentage of churchgoers to be passive listeners, people worshipers and not doers of the Word.

We are entering the last days, dear reader. We need to face reality and get the church to become a force to be reckoned with. We cannot sweet-talk anymore.