“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

This week marks the beginning of football season. I, like many other Americans, have watched my first football game in months. I have also watched my first commercial in months. My family and I have “cut the cord.” We watch Netflix and Hulu and Disney+, all of which lack commercials. After watching one game of football, I have watched enough insurance commercials to understand that the whole world is out to get you. You should shelter in a cave or bomb shelter and live out the rest of your days in fear.

Maybe that’s a little excessive. Nevertheless, there are many ways that your lives are in jeopardy. There are real threats, and Jesus speaks of them. But we can’t buy insurance against these kinds of thieves. Satan and other malevolent forces aren’t looking to take your property or possessions. What is being lost is you: your identity.

If you lose your identity, a kind of spiritual identity theft, everything else is lost. Your marriage. Your sense of purpose. Your sense of place and belonging. Your calling. When the thief comes to kill and destroy, he doesn’t take your credit card or car keys. He takes your foundation. He makes you forget what is best. He confuses who really loves you. He makes you forget who you really are. He makes you forget WHOSE you really are.

You are a loved child of God.

You are worth dying for.

You are a sinner, redeemed by the God Above All Gods.

You have gifts and talents and have something to share.

You are a member of the Body of Christ. No one, and no thing can take that away. As long as you claim your inheritance it is yours.

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