As I thought about this tragedy I realized, we have it wrong when we think about "having it all."
Yes, the person who took her stuff, now has a new bench set or the money from illegally selling it, but they left something on that porch that they can't get back. When they made the choice to take something that wasn't theirs, they traded in their character for it. They lost a part of themselves. Sure, people who do these things usually lost those things a long time ago, but who we are is more important than the possessions or accolades we acquire.
I'm sure many of us can agree with that statement, but I can tell you when I yell at my kids for accidentally breaking something in our house - the disrespect I show in response to a mistake is sending a message that things matter more than they do and that is not a message I want to send.
Truly, having it all is accomplished by character building experiences and self-denial as we love those around us. The things in our heart, the people we are, that is what we take with us when we die. So grabbing for what belongs to others so we can have it, isn't doing us any favors.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Some of you might be asking, "How does this apply to me? I don't steal stuff off people's porches?" But how many times do we put things before character or before others? How often do we do things to be liked someone else or to fit in? If we miss out on being ourselves, we are being robbed of that gift. This lesson is for all of us in some way. Maybe its to have compassion for the person stealing because they have got the aim of life all wrong. Loving people the way Jesus did means caring for them without conditions. Yes, Jesus expected people to stop with the destructive behavior but he loved them first. Love is what drew them to him and in that love he spoke truth into their lives. When we care for people we understand the lies they believe that have led them to where they are now. It doesn't mean we let them get by with bad behavior, it just means we look beyond the offense and see the person. Can you imagine the better world we would have if everyone did that? Where are you off the mark with how you live your life and have it all? What are you grabbing for that isn't yours in the first place? I'd love to hear how this truth applies to your life - you may be able to teach me something!!! Happy Wednesday!
