John 18:40 (NASB) So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Jesus warned that there would be people who tried to enter into your life on the sly (John 10:1). He was very specific about how he described them: robbers and thieves.
To understand what Jesus meant when he told us to be aware of “robbers” don’t think of robbers as being someone who breaks into your house or robs a bank.
“Robbers” in Jesus’ day were insurrectionists; they were the people who were trying to overthrow the Roman government. In other words, they wanted to run things.
There are people like that in your life. You must be aware of “robbers” who want to take over your life. There is nothing wrong with friends who give advice, counselors that offer direction, and even authority figures who give you orders and mandates.
However, ultimately, you are responsible for your life—no one else. The moment you start using other people to explain your performance; the moment you begin using others as an excuse; the moment you start “just going with the flow” because it’s easier – that is the moment you fling open the doors to the throne room of your heart and surrender your right to be a free individual.
- The ONE THING for today: Listen to people, learn from people, and even follow worthy people, but whatever you do, never surrender your right to be responsible for your actions and for how you respond to the actions of others.
Romans 14:12 (HCSB)
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
The ONE THING 