I have been Robbed!
On Saturday November 24th, I sent out an article entitled “Real Thanksgiving.” In it I said, “Paul admonishes believers to ‘In everything give thanks’ (1 Thess. 5:18). Believers are to give thanks in every circumstance of life, in sickness and in health; in poverty and in wealth.” I also quoted one of my favorite examples on this subject. After being robbed, Matthew Henry wrote in his diary: “Let me be thankful. First, I was never robbed before. Second, although they took my purse, they didn’t take my life. Third, although they took my all, it was not much. Fourth, let me be thankful because it was I who was robbed and not I who did the robbing.” On Sunday November 25th, I was given an opportunity to practice what I wrote. While I was preaching, someone went into my office at church and took my laptop computer. I have been robbed! With all due respect to Matthew Henry, I would like to edit his dairy entry. First, I can’t say that I have not been robbed before, because I have been. Years ago, one afternoon, when no one was home, thieves robbed my house in broad daylight. On more than one occasion, over the years, my car has been robbed. Second, I am grateful that no one was hurt. Thanks Matthew, that’s a good reminder. Third, in my case the thief not only did not take all, he (or, to be political correct, he or she) did not take all he or she could have. So I would not have to carry a brief case and a laptop, I used the laptop carrying case as a brief case. In one pocket were a number of folders, which contained some very important papers, including financial documents. In another compartment was my checkbook, Palm Pilot, two complete sets of keys to two different locations, etc. For some reason, the thief, lifted the folders out of the pocket, placed them on the seat and took the rest. As far as I know, nothing else was taken from my office. I am grateful the thief left the folders.
Fourth, with Matthew I am thankful it was I who was robbed and not I who did the robbing. I did not lose any sleep because of guilt.
Fifth, as a result of the experience and thinking about Matthew’s comment on his loss, something else occurred to me. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt. 6:19-20).
I am reminded that, in the words of the old spiritual, “This world is not my home, I’m justa passin through.” All things here can be stolen, but I have treasure hidden out of sight “where thieves do not break in and steal!”
© G. Michael Cocoris, 12/5/2001
Fourth, with Matthew I am thankful it was I who was robbed and not I who did the robbing. I did not lose any sleep because of guilt.
Fifth, as a result of the experience and thinking about Matthew’s comment on his loss, something else occurred to me. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt. 6:19-20).
I am reminded that, in the words of the old spiritual, “This world is not my home, I’m justa passin through.” All things here can be stolen, but I have treasure hidden out of sight “where thieves do not break in and steal!”
© G. Michael Cocoris, 12/5/2001