DON'T BEFRIEND THE THIEF

THE THIEF WILL KILL YOU

In the natural a person of integrity would not want to be known or be seen with a notorious thief.  That would cause you to be looked as a thief also by association.  It would also put you under suspicion as a thief more than likely has criminal tendencies.   

In the gospel of John the Lord makes the intentions of the thief very clear.  His motives are specifically outlined to his character.  

John 10:10 (KJV) 

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.

There are three things that are certain and marks the character of the thief: He steals, kills and destroys.  Knowing that, why would people befriend a thief knowing that there is a possibility that he will destroy them after he has taken their stuff? The logic behind that can be very debatable and questionable.   

The thief cannot hurt you from afar so he lures you and entices you into a friendship. He will make you comfortable and make you promises that he know he won't keep.  He may offer some trinkets and gifts from his stolen loot so you can trust him, and let your guard down.  He may even connect you with other thieves which may seem like opportunities you were looking for.  However, once you are friends with the thief you are subjected to becoming his prey, and he will have complete and authoritative control over you.  

Think about this for a minute- It's your friends that can hurt you because you open up to them and draw them close.  They know your secrets, what bothers you, what makes you happy or sad and what ticks you off. So now that you are friends the thief, knows your ins and outs. He sees your vulnerability and knows your weakness.  He has privileged information about you and will use it against you.  That's the reason for the friendship in the first place.  

It may seem like the thief has come to rescue you or help you, but that's the opportunity he uses to pounce on you and use your vulnerability to harm you.  Is important to know who the thief is and recognize when he is around. 

Do you know who the thief is?

Are you friends with him?

What information have you given him?

What keys have you handed over to him?  (your heart, passion, dreams etc.) 

What things has he stolen from you?

The moment of truth has come.  You have the choice of friendship- which will you choose?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE CHOICE OF FRIENDSHIP

The second part of the verse above speaks of another who does not want to kill, steal or destroy you but to give you life- Not just any kind of life, but life more abundantly.  This gives you a choice to choose.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD 

Gives His life for the sheep- He will fight for you and save you from the thief that wants to destroy you.

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep

Note the difference between the two- 

The first comes to steal from you, kill and destroy you. He will use you, abuse you and cause you anguish before he ultimately destroys you. 

The second wants to give you life abundantly. As a matter of fact He will fight for you and even give His life for you.  Knowing this, why would you choose to be friends with the devil, go places with him or do what he asks you to do when you can choose Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the one who wants to fight for you and has already given His life for you?

Remember, the choice to choose is yours.  Would it be the thief, the enemy the devil who has already been defeated and wants your company for eternal destruction or would it be Jesus, the Good Shepherd who gave His life so you can live, wants to give you abundant life now and an opportunity for everlasting life?  It has been proven that the Good Shepherd is the right choice because the best friend to have is Jesus!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel