According to the words of Jesus, there are two distinct conditions in life: One condition is summarized by the words, Kill, steal and destroy and the other condition is summarized by the words, Life, and that more abundantly. Jesus said that the thief is the one responsible for destruction, while He identifies Himself as the One responsible for life.

It is refreshing to discover that some things in life are not complicated. In the midst of complexity and confusion, we discover an oasis of simplicity in the Kingdom of God. It is not that the things of God lack depth, it is that God makes the application of His Word simple so that we may understand it and apply the truth to our lives.

Recent tragic events such as the massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado left our nation asking the question, Why did this happen? The news media asks, How could two teenagers from a good neighbor and a good family carry out such a heinous act? Psychologists try to explain that a complex set of factors contributed in transforming to normal boys into mass murderers. I heard another expert explain that the two teens were ill and therefore not responsible for their actions. Yet another expert questioned if parents have the right to invade the privacy of their childrens rooms, computer use and telephone conversations.

Our society makes simple issues appear complicated. But this always occurs when people reject the Word of God. While we know that many factors played upon the hearts and minds of the two young killers in Littleton, one simple fact is clear to all who have spiritual discernment: Satanthe thiefput it in the hearts of these boys to kill, steal and destroy. Parents are admonished to nurture children in the fear and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). The scriptures also warns us that children that are left to themselves will come to ruin (Prov. 29:15)

Because our society and our schools have rejected God, they have also rejected Abundant Life. When you expel God, you expel life (Greek word zoe; the God kind of life). And when you expel life, you invite destruction. This is not a complicated issue, when people reject life and wisdom, they open themselves to destructive forces:

But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death." (Proverbs 8:36)

Like the person who invites theft by leaving his home or car unlocked and unprotected, anyone who ignores or rejects scriptural principles invites the thief to bring havoc into our lives.

We need to catch the thief by dedicating our lives to Him who promised to give us abundant life!

Walking in Abundant Life

The best way way to counteract the work of the devil is to be fully submitted to God. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Sometimes people make the mistake of blaming the devil for everything or seeking cast a demon out of everyone and everything before they have prepared their hearts to follow the Lord. In other words, we are quick to spiritualize our situations in life and blame outside factors, but we are slow to judges ourselves and obey the Word.

Like the world around us, many have believed the lie that other people and environments are responsible for problems. I heard it implied that the two young killers in Littleton were basically good boys and that all us are responsible for the massacre at Columbine High School. The simple, uncomplicated fact is this: None of us are basically good! Without Jesus Christ, we are basically sinful, rebellious and potentially harmful to others. Another simple, uncomplicated fact is: We will reap what we sow (or whatever parents allow to be sown in the hearts and minds of their children).

In a larger context, John 10:10 is the explanation of the parable that Jesus communicated in John 10:1-7.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep...Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:1-2, 7-9)

You will note the emphasis that Jesus placed on entering by the door. Both the shepherds (leaders) and the sheep (all of Gods people) are instructed to enter at the correct place. Jesus identified Himself as the saving door and identified everyone else who seeks an alternative entrance as thieves and robbers.

Living an abundant life and catching the thief begins with centering our lives on the Lord Jesus Christ and recognizing that is a preferred way to enter any area of life. Whether the issue is finance, relationships, education, rearing children, marriage, handling conflicts and any other important issue, Gods word provides a door for us to enter. When we enter by the access provided by God, we discover grace and divine power to aid us. As Jesus said, If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

I believe that the sheepfold is the church, both local and universal. I want to encourage you to reach for Gods best by building on the firm foundation of Gods word. Dont try to climb up some other way. We need everything God has made available: The Word, the Holy Spirit, the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ, pastors to watch for your soul (Heb. 13:17) and more!

The thief may threaten you, but he will not be able to steal, kill and destroy once you have entered the abundant life that Jesus promised to those who enter by the door.

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11)