Yesterday in the early morning hours the security fence around the tanks was cut and several things were stolen.  I have been challenged in my thinking because of the strong feelings that came up; anger and a feeling of violation were the initial feelings that arose.  No one has been arrested by the police, so it has left me suspicious of everyone.

As I was on the property today a young man who was acting like he was busy around the front of his property kept a very close eye on all I was doing. When I left the property, I slowed to acknowledge him.  He would not respond nor look me in the eye.  Leaving me to assume there was a problem there.  However, I know from a cultural perspective that people here do not generally look you in the eye and that is more of an American behavior. But, this was the effect; I was suspicious.

When we first moved to Nicaragua; we were told that people would steal from you if they got the chance and that included the Christians.  Ouch.  It reminded me of Paul when he said this to the Ephesians not to steal:

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

Ephesians 4:28

And, we were told a local saying: 

“If you leave the safe unlocked, others are free to take.”

This social norm leaves the person who was stolen from as the guilty party, not the one stealing.  I have felt that guilt yesterday and today.  I left items inside the security fence, thus, I am guilty for the theft.  Boy, is that some different thinking.

This all got me thinking about the parable of the man you was forgiven much and then went to another person who owed him but a little and threw him in jail.  I have been forgiven of so much, how can I hold another to account for such a little thing? 

The other problem I faced was that thinking this way has caused me to have fear and thus a tendency to  suspect everyone of potentially being a thief.  I don’t want to live in fear, nor have suspicious feelings about everyone.

I am reminded that all I have belongs to the Lord.  If someone takes something, they are stealing it from God and He alone is the perfect judge.  I am not.  Nor do I want to live there, if you get my meaning.

Perfect love cast out all fear.  Love unites.  Generalization about identities produces fear and hate.

This reminds me of what is happening in the United States.  The Social Gospel and Identity politics is producing division and hatred.  It is sowing the seeds of discord.  Rather than focusing on our similarities; like the facts that we are one in Christ, citizens in heaven where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, black nor white, man nor women, but rather we are the bride of Christ.  We are ALL of one body, belonging to one faith, produced by one Gospel, and serving the one true Lord; that is our identity.  This produces love and unity. The Social Gospel Movement is focusing on our differnces. When you identify us by any other method, it creates division and hatred which are not the fruit of the Spirit of God.

It is sad to see the church get involved in such things.  We are not to be entangled in the affairs of the world nor does man’s wisdom have a place in the church.  Our wisdom is foolishness according to God.

All of this makes the point so clear.  God’s love brings us together.  His forgiveness brings us into one family.  In this situation I must have forgiveness also and do that which will bring others to the saving grace of our Lord and Savior.

P.S.  After writing this blog I received a call that a neighbor of the farm has reported one or two persons to the police. The police are going to pay them a visit to see if they have any of the stolen items.  Amazing how God works.  I am truly thinking about having the charges dropped if they work off what it cost to repair fence, return the items and provide some security. 

Let me know your thoughts.

For His glory,

Stephen Goff
Stephen.Goff@N-Response2.com
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