Just because we hold our debit card in hand doesn’t mean we have access to the cash in our account.
BankRate.com references the 2007 fraud debacle with T.J. Maxx, where upwards of $150 million was pulled directly from customers’ accounts. Debit card holders waited on average 10 weeks for reimbursement.
They had their cards in hand but couldn’t access the money that should have been in their accounts.
It’s important to protect our right of authentication. We must ensure that our access codes are secure. We can’t afford to let our guard slip, because there are thieves constantly on the prowl to steal what’s ours.
James 5:12 warns us to protect our Christian reputation:
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
1 Timothy 3:2 says our pastors and spiritual leaders must be especially diligent to protect their accounts:
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
Philippians 4:19 provides us overdraft protection if ever our accounts are scammed:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that others’ accounts are off limits to us:
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Philippians 4:8 reveals the way to safeguard our spiritual bank accounts with multiple layers of security:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Shoppers at T.J. Maxx didn’t intend to give up the money in their accounts. T.J. Maxx didn’t plan to let their customers’ accounts be compromised. Christians don’t intend to let the devil steal our spiritual connection with God. The trouble is the thief in our midst, the evil one whom God cast from heaven. We must cut off his access to our thoughts and actions, so that he can never steal what belongs to us.
We lock up our relationship with God through a tight relationship with him.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Originally Published 7-31-16 in Relationships