The Thief
Gary Waddell - Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee 6/10/18
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
FBI Statistics claim that in 2016 there were, nationwide, an estimated 7,919,035 property crimes. We do whatever we can to protect ourselves, our homes, and our property from being burglarized with alarm systems, dogs, fences cameras and other devices. But in almost every home in the United States there is a “thief” that we allow into our houses who will rob, steal and destroy, and that thief is called “the Television.” Jesus spoke of those who were keeping people from God by rituals, rules set forth by traditions of men. The only way to the Father is through Jesus (John 14:6). There were many people already being led astray in the time that Jesus walked the earth. Matthew Henry explains: "Those whom they steal, whose hearts and affections they steal from Christ and His pastures, they kill and destroy spiritually; for the heresies they privily bring in are damnable.Deceivers of souls are murderers of souls." Thieves come in many forms such as cults and earthly religions. There were Thieves back then and there are even more Thieves today.
I say to you that any person, situation, or object that pulls you away from Christ and His word is a Thief and Television is one of the biggest thieves in modern times (computer & cell phones too). For “followers of Christ,” television, and other social media devices, have done more harm to Christianity for the most part, than any other ‘avenue’ that I can recall in my lifetime. For many years it has been used as a baby sitter for children who are being taught the ways of this world on a daily basis. Vile and vulgar cartoons, filthy talking celebrities, shows displaying disobedient children, TV shows that display weak or missing male role models, monsters, and walking dead people are some of the favorites of children everywhere. Witchcraft is another huge venue being shown on TV. Television broadcasts the works of the flesh steadily and daily (Gal 5:19-21).
Hollywood, the news media, our public school system, our universities, and even our government have indoctrinated multitudes of young people of the past 60 years, to a way of thinking that is contrary to God's word. As a boy of 12, I remember a used round screen television being brought into our home and even though we had only one channel and the network only broadcasted for only 12 hours per day, it started to take away time from the family even then. It had an immediate change in the household. Television has replaced the precious time when people would converse with each other. Try to hold a conversation with a grandson without TV or a cell phone present and see if they look at you.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)
The Lord made it clear to us that He is against the ‘prophets’ and the people with earthly wisdom, who steal His words (Jer 23:30). God’s word is pure and true. We are to keep ourselves from this world (2 Cor 6:17) but yet we have allowed the world to enter our homes by the way of television and other media devices. We have gladly brought them into our homes and actually designated rooms and temples for these devices (theater rooms and dens) where we can gather and watch action films, sporting events, pornography, and such, all saturated with commercials containing sex, alcohol, violence, homosexuality, and so many things that displeases God (Pro 6:16-19). The Bible makes it clear to followers of Christ. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1 Cor 6:20). We were all created to glorify God – simple as that. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. God wants our time and fellowship. I read this simple but effective poem many years ago and it touched my heart.
There on the table, lying side by side • Is the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
One is well worn and cherished with pride • But that one’s not the Bible, it's the TV Guide.
And turning the pages, what shall they see? • It doesn't matter, just turn on the TV.
Confusion begins, for they can't all agree • What they shall watch on that big screen TV.
So they refer to the Book, which they all confide • But it's not the Bible, it's the TV Guide.
The true Word of God is seldomly read • But maybe a verse or two, just before bed.
Exhausted and sleepy, tired as can be - Not from reading the Bible, but from watching TV.
Then back to the table, lying side by side • The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word • The plan of salvation, is seldomly heard.
The forgiveness of sin, so full and so free • We find in God’s Bible, but not on TV.
Author unknown - modified by gw
More than likely there is a “thief” in your house and whether or not you do not have silverware missing, or purses missing, or jewelry missing; the television (computers and cellphones too) are stealing the hearts and souls of many; especially young people. For Christians, it’s time to get back to the Bible. God’s holy word. We all need to put down roots in Him (Col 2:7) and pull the plug on the TV (shut off the cellphones while you're at it) unless you know for sure that the program you are watching will glorify God.
If all what you see on TV doesn’t bother you, and you make the claim of being a Christian, it is time to open God’s word and read 2 Cor 13:5. You need to ‘examine yourself to see if you are in the faith, and if you are a reprobate (as a counterfeit coin being rejected). You can’t have it both ways. Almost all of Hollywood, its actors, actresses, movie makers and even its advertisers do not promote the gospel of Jesus Christ nor does it glorify God in any way. They are a prideful bunch. That's not called judging - it's called discernment.
If television bothers you and you continue to watch the ungodly shows and movies, turn it off or remove it out of your home. Remove that thief from your premises or pull the plug. Friend, if you have doubt or questions about your relationship with Christ, please call upon the Lord soon. Our Lord wants no one to perish (2 Peter 3:9) and none of us are 'good enough' to go to heaven.
We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) but God sent His precious, sinless Son to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sin debt (John 3:16) so He has already given you a gift that cannot be expressed in words. Confess your sins to Jesus, say your sorry, turn from your sins and ask Jesus to come into your life and take control. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
Receive Jesus as your Savior today (John 1:12). You'll never regret it.
Thanks for Taking "Five" • Gary Waddell • VMMTN.com
Victory Ministries Middle TN • God bless and bless GOD
