I read about a commuter named Dean Niferatos who was riding the transit bus in Chicago. It was the middle of the afternoon and most of the passengers seemed out of it, tired from a day of work, shopping, or running errands. Some of the people had their eyes closed and were trying to get a few minutes of rest.
At one particular stop three people boarded the bus. They must have been frequent patrons of this bus because the driver recognized them immediately and made an announcement to the other riders: “Everybody watch your valuables. Some pickpockets just got on board.” The trio didn’t hesitate, but jumped right back off the bus. The driver’s warning got everyone’s attention, as they began to clutch their briefcases and shopping bags, pulling them closer to their person.
If we aren’t careful we can become like those travelers, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the city, feeling safe and secure. We nod off, leaving our valuables exposed to any would-be bandits who can execute a grab-and-go, taking our stuff with them.
I’m speaking metaphorically, of course. Jesus used a similar metaphor in John 10:10 when He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
We cannot let our guard down because there is a very real enemy that wants to rip us off. Our adversary, the evil one, works best when we feel safe and begin to space out. That is when he is most likely to trip us up with some temptation, or lead us to make a grave mistake. We have to keep our eyes wide open, and the armor of God always on.
That is why church attendance is so important. Not only do we hear the warnings from the pulpit or the small group leader, we also surround ourselves with fellow believers who will hold us accountable (and we can do the same for others). There is a pickpocket on board. We need to be aware and keep each other warned before the thief is able to steal, kill, or destroy.
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