Ron Aulbach

It was quit a shock to open my credit card statement and see that my current bill was substantially higher than normal.  My thoughts ranged from thinking it was a simple mistake, a clerical error, to wondering what my wife got me as a surprise for Father’s Day.  I couldn’t possibly imagine that someone else had stolen my card and was having a really good time at my expense.  But as I examined the transactions it was clear that slowly and systematically, I was being ripped off!  There was a hollow feeling that came over me, a feeling of betrayal and damage that I’d never felt before.  Someone else for 30 days had been living my life, enjoying my purchasing power, and had no intention of ever paying the bill.

A lot of people have this happen to them.  Fraudsters are getting wiser and have more tools at their disposal to hijack your social security number, driver license, bank accounts and credit cards.  Florida has the most cases with the highest percentage of victims being the elderly who are easily deceived, and college students who are less likely to check their statements.  Add to this the ease in which we share things on social media.  It’s not hard for crooks to make logical guesses at your passwords based on birthdates, pets names, and hobbies.  25% of people on Facebook add “friends” they don’t even know.  According to one source, it’s estimated that 68% of consumers use the same password for multiple websites.  This is a no-no.  Every person needs to be wise and protect themselves.

The same is true when we allow our spiritual identity as followers of Jesus to be stolen.  We work exhausting hours so that we appear successful.  We watch less than redeeming movies because they are popular.  We aren’t bothered by crude jokes or stories because we don’t want to offend someone.  We stop going to church because well, no one attends every week.  Without even noticing it, our identity is robbed.  The Bible warns us to “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy” (Colossians 2:8).  That is no easy task.  It requires that we guard our walk daily by drawing close to God and His word.  As you think about your most treasured possession, your identity in Christ Jesus, is it safe?  Keep a careful watch on what matters most.  “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).