“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
I love mysteries. Something about the thrilling chase, perplexing clues, and cunning characters keeps me on the edge of my seat. I’ve got to know “whodunit”!
While I always enjoy solving fictional crimes, I often find it far more challenging to unravel the false narratives and twisted tales in my own mind. Unlike a book I can put down at any time, my fears, insecurities, and shame seem to follow me everywhere as a bandit bent on harm.
Some of the lies in my head are old. So old they’ve gathered dust like a book untouched for ages. No doubt, I’ve read that book so many times I’ve memorized it and laid it to rest with my everyday décor. It reminds me daily of how worthless and unlovable I really am … or so I tell myself again and again and again.
When our negative thought patterns become deeply rooted, like bad habits, they seem normal. So we live with them. We don’t always stop to think about what’s behind our thoughts or whether they’re true. If we’ve always believed them, they must be true, right?
What if the result of believing lies is more serious than we think? Sure, we’ve learned to live with them. But what if they keep us from experiencing the fullness of the lives we were meant to live?
Consider John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
While we know Jesus is the One who died so we could have abundant life, we must wonder: Who is the thief in this passage? Who is the enemy of our souls, and what is he trying to steal?
Scripture tells us that Satan is the thief. He’s the father of all lies (John 8:44), the man with the mask, hiding behind every accusation (Revelation 12:10), every ounce of shame and condemnation thrown at you, every sudden reminder that people said you would never amount to anything.
Like a bandit bent on stealing our joy, peace, and freedom (i.e., abundant life), the devil constantly searches for ways to bring us down. He doesn’t want us to fully embrace the truth of who we are in Christ.
Why? Because the truth is dangerous for him. It’s what reveals his plot. It’s what allows us to have peace and joy in any circumstance. It also equips us to walk fully in the calling God has given us – something Satan trembles to think about.
God’s Truth is our spiritual weapon. Rather than fighting the battle outwardly and endlessly trying harder to “be better,” we fight lies inwardly. By renewing our minds with the Word of God (Romans 12:2), we remind ourselves of who God says we already are, not who our enemy accuses us of being.
Abundant life in Christ is available, no matter what the devil has told you or how many times you’ve heard it. And abundance starts with renewing our minds with God’s Word.
Lord, I confess, I’ve let the enemy tell me who I am for a long time. I’ve gotten used to believing the accusations and living with fear, shame, and insecurity. Please, help me to uncover each lie that is keeping me from the abundant life You offer. Help me renew my mind in each area and overcome the enemy of my soul. I trust in You and know You will guide me in Your Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
