John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Think About It
John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The most deceptive thing about the thief is that the thief can look holy. For example, a thief can be a religious leader who has a form of godliness but does not submit their life to Jesus. For instance, our greatest inheritance is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Later, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). However, religious leaders preach messages that affirm people’s beliefs about there being multiple pathways to achieve eternal life with God. According to them, Jesus is just one of many ways to get to heaven. In addition, there are religious leaders who believe in teaching about Jesus’ love and mercy, but they preach against the virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection. These teachings will rob someone of their ability to live eternally with our Heavenly Father.
Another inheritance from God are our children. Psalm 127:3 states, “Behold, children are an inheritance from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This reward is not earned; this reward is by God’s grace and mercy. Furthermore, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6). There is nothing more beautiful than loving grandparents, who pour into their grandchildren. My mom has taught our daughters to sew, cook, and garden. In addition, it is a blessing when children can glean from the teachings of their parents. This is a part of God’s design for families. For example, Ephesians 6:1-4 is a blueprint for us to follow. It reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” What stood out most was “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” When the Father blesses us with children, whether we are biological parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, godparents, stepparents, or guardians, His plan is for us to bring them up or raise them according to His word.
There are multiple scriptures that express God’s love for children and life itself; however, there are religious leaders and churches who advocate for abortions. This is not new. Before the original Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, a group of religious leaders joined an underground organization. Through this network, these religious leaders referred between 450,000- 500,000 women to licensed doctors who performed safe but illegal abortions. Their clients included married and single women from different walks of life. Their services prevented women from seeking help from organized crime groups who arranged illegal abortions in seedy places like motels. They received praise for providing safe and compassionate care to women in need, with some praising them for doing the Lord’s work.
Some of the stories I read were truly heartbreaking and terrifying. One’s heart would have to be made of stone not to sympathize with these women. I can definitely understand and appreciate the religious leaders’ heroic efforts and compassion toward these women, but I can clearly see how the enemy can coerce believers into helping him steal people’s inheritances from God. He plays on our emotions and exploits them for his glory. He makes people believe God has turned His back on them because of their situation, and he connects them with people he has deceived into believing they are more compassionate and intelligent than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No one loves us more than Him; therefore, we don’t need a hero when we have a Savior.
Jesus gave His life for us, so why can’t we trust Him with our lives? (I’m talking specifically to believers in Christ right now). For the record, He’s never lied to us. Jesus warned the disciples about tribulations. According to Bible Hub, the word tribulation means, “Severe trials, suffering, or distress that believers may experience in their spiritual journey” (https://biblehub.com/topical/t/tribulations.htm). I wish that wasn’t our reality. I wish we never had to experience pain and heartbreak, but we have to take solace in what He said next. Jesus said, “…Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV). In other words, no matter what this world throws at us, it will not be the end of our story. Think about it. Then go to the Father and pray about it.
#Soul Searching with Our Father
Coming up next: But You Don’t Understand!
