H Have you ever had anything of significant value stolen? Wouldn't you want it replaced at its true value? Shouldn't we do the same spiritually?
Jes Jesus said the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Satan first comes and steals our joy. The lack of joy means depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Then the father of lies tries to replace our stolen joy with a cheap imitation, like drugs or alcohol. These are band aids—quick fixes that eventually kill us! Finally, after he wears us down, he destroys us. Satan doesn't do this himself. He does it by setting us against each other. Brother against brother, friend against friend. This isn't necessarily done by physical means. Instead, verbal abuse is used to bring others down in order to lift ourselves up. This destroys our unity, the body of people we call church, family or our circle of friends. What was once inseparable has now been dismantled because we have lost our joy.
DoDon't settle for a close second or cheap imitation. We need to go back to the Joygiver until our cup runs over. Jesus can give us the peace that passes all understanding, and hold Satan accountable for the true value of all he has stolen from us.
—Peace be with you, Bro. Keith
