I just read a sad and interesting article from one of our local TV news web site. The headline read, “Deputies Warn Church-Goers of Woman Targeting Purses In Pews”. The article went on to say that “Harris County Sheriffs Office detectives—are investigating as many as 10 different cases where the same woman is suspected of grabbing the contents of purses” while people were worshiping.
This just goes to show that no place is safe. Most people don’t thing about being robbed while at church, but it happens. Thieves are everywhere!
Now, here’s something that might surprise you even more. There is a sense in which people are robbed in every church, every service. Really! It’s true. However, unlike the woman who was captured on video, this thief is invisible. His work is described in Matthew 13:19 which says, “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in the heart–“.
Satan will do lots of things and use lots of things to rob us of the blessings God desires for us. There is actually a gang of thieves. While Satan is the ringleader, self, sin, sports, etc. can all deprive us of the good God wants for us. Satan has a lot of tools in his workshop. If he can’t deprive you of blessings in one way to will try another. He uses deception, distractions, diversion, dissension, divisions, delay, doubt, and discouragement, or anything else to rob you of blessings.
Too avoid loss we must be vigilant, ever on guard, lest our enemy get the advantage on us. We don’t attend church to be entertained, but to be fed and nourished by the Word of God and to worship God. Don’t allow anything or anyone rob you of that, it is far too valuable. Think about it!
