Operation Steal, Kill and Destroy!

I was in a conversation with a sister of mine where she shared her personal strategy in identifying and avoiding scams.

“People naturally tend to be selfish and self-centered,” She explained. “Especially those whose hearts have not been touched by the love and fear of God.”

“So, when someone starts to hound me to quickly invest or pay for something that would make me (not them) ‘rich’ or ‘better for it’, I suspect that they are out to profit off me in such pressured deals.” She continued. “It must be a scam.”

Introduction

When we figure out why people do what they do, we are not surprised at the manifestations of their motives. In a scientific research, objectives are usually stated prior to the design and execution of the methods that would be used to achieve them. Our knowledge of people’s goals, interpreted with their nature or behaviour, can guide our response to their actions or the offers they present to us.

In John 10:10 (KJV), Jesus reveals:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Remember that we are not to be ignorant of our adversary’s devices or operations. In the verse above, Jesus reveals satan’s nature as a thief and the aims behind his activities; steal, kill and destroy!

Operation Steal, Kill and Destroy

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…

The devil and his cohort of demons execute many perversions largely due to their wicked nature but also to fulfil their ultimate goals. Their entire operation is based on these: to steal, kill and destroy. If we ever wondered or asked why, now we know. And this knowledge is valuable.

When satan tries to entice us to sin, even for those things that seem most pleasurable and enjoyable in the moment, it’s not because he’s fond of us. Our resolve to avoid sin and flee from temptations should be strengthened by our knowledge of his agenda to steal, kill and destroy!

When persons, families, institutions and territories are afflicted relentlessly, we as believers, must also hold our ground in Christ to destroy the works of darkness and proclaim the kingdom of God because we know satan’s objectives include confusion, chaos, death and utter destruction.

Many enter unholy alliances with the devil, for the promise of seemingly juicy benefits like riches, fame or protection. Behind this offer, however, is his plan to steal, kill and destroy! It is dangerous to partner with a being who not only cares nothing for your good, but who’s primarily out to annihilate you.

Jesus rejected the offer of all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them in Matthew 4:8-10, because He knew the devil was up to no good. It is only God’s offers that have no nasty conditions or fatal consequences attached.

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)

Life and Life Abundantly

…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

In John 10:10, Jesus also showed us why He came. We see the purpose of God in sending His son, to give us life and life abundantly.

This is evident in all that He has done and still does to reconcile man to Himself. His love and commitment to humanity have been proven time and again, from clothing adam and eve with coats of skin despite their disobedience (Genesis 3:21), to His dealings with the patriarchs and people of Israel, to the culmination of redemption in Jesus Christ and up till our present times.

God wants us to have life, and life abundantly.

[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16-17 (KJV)

Conclusion

Armed with this knowledge of God’s great intent for us in contrast to the devil’s agenda, we are further equipped in our everyday dealings.

As we face daily decisions of who to follow or who to yield ourselves to, we can consider the nature and reputation of the one who is extending the offer, and consider the aims and objectives involved. The devil’s entire operation persists on the premise of steal, kill and destroy while God’s gracious gift in and through Jesus Christ is life, and life abundantly.

God is not a scam. Choose Jesus. Choose Life.