The value of human life has significantly eroded in today’s modern world.The exposure in medical research laboratories, in soap operas that feed the psyche of millions ,and even in the music consumed by our teenagers. High standards that were placed on life before no longer exists with many people not even valuing their own lives.
Not only has there been an increase of various life threatening assaults against other people,but against themselves . Some people have assumed the right to end human life, there is a common thread that connects murder,suicide,infanticide, euthanasia and abortion (not talking about the politics of abortion) .
Although these moral issues have resurfaced increasingly in today’s society, they are not new, they have been addressed from ancient of days . God is the giver of life and the only One with the right to take it. Furthermore, because He is the One who has given life , human life has an enormously high value.
Genesis 2 :7 ” And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground , breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul “.
Suicide in Ancient times. The scriptures in a honest and straightforward way tell of suicides. Ahithophel ( 11 Samuel 17 :23 ),
Abimelech ( Judges 9 :54 )
Saul (1 Samuel 31: 4)
( Zimri (1 Kings 16 : 18 )
Judas Iscariot ( Matthew 27 : 5)
In these references in the Scriptures it does show that these individuals chose to take matters in their own hands in solving their personal problems. Like Job some had serious family and personal problems that drove them to desperate thoughts. In more rational moments they would not have considered suicide as the viable alternative. Abimelech,Saul,and Zimri their personal disobedience had put them in such critical situations that they chose suicide as an escape. Ahithophel and Judas were two dangerous betrayers, Ahithophel betrayed king David and ofcourse Judas we know betrayed Jesus.
There is also record of Job’s wife encouraging him to commit suicide as a way out of the series of tragedies that happened in the family ( Job 2:9 ). Job 7 :15 shows that Job did consider suicide during his ordeals but he chose to trust God and did not committ suicide. Elijah the prophet had suicidal desires but he too did not take his life.
Selfish, short -sighted “solutions”. Those who consider and chose suicide does it without thinking of their loved ones,family and friends. They consider suicide from a selfish short-sighted “solutions ” to whatever crises ,trauma in their life. They feel hopeless,desperate,no desire to live They are impatient and do not want to wait for God or man to supply the solution or help needed.
The persons who takes their own life actually rejects the divine Saviour or man’s help and attempts to be their own deliverer. The entire book of Job reminds us that crises can occur in anyone’s life suddenly and without any explanations. Life is full of surprises, setbacks uncertainties ,difficulties and even if you’re not Christian or a person of Faith, you must have the will to live no matter what obstacles or disappointments come your way.
Think long and hard at the word “suicide” if you would not kill another person no matter what the situation (not talking self-defense) so why kill yourself. Suicide is intentional,premeditated it is murdering yourself without facing a murder charge and going on trial. NO relationship,job soulmate, first love, grief,verbal or physical abuse is worth killing yourself. Tell yourself “this too shall pass ” and rise like the Phoenix. As for Christians we trust and wait on God while we watch and pray , change will come,God is faithful.
Pingback: Life is For Living – Today all. in one masti
In as much as suicide is a sensitive topic to be discussed in the society, I like the Christain POV you highlighted in different situations per person. The selfish part, I may not agree but the short sighted solution, I agree with that and I think that’s what they want-A quick and effective solution to end whatever they’re going through, as we’ve seen people commit other type of atrocities in bid of having a solution.
And I also believe that su*cide comes from not having enough depth and understanding of our place as Christains; this is coming from someone who has been on the edge before but I allowed myself to accept the help I could get from around.
I can go on and on about this topic, because for every suicide case I’ve come across by chance, these people had almost good support system, they just didn’t allow themselves accept the help from people around.
I pray the Lord opens our eyes to see the good around and we trust him enough to carry our burdens for us, 1Peter 5:6-7
Bless your heart and thanks for you support and comments .
I agree with you I have had to deal with both believers and unbelievers and each case is different. I have lost employees and two believers from different congregations. I thank God that He has allowed me to help some from returning from the edge and maybe you done so also
I think it starts and ends with the mind not everyone is able overcome
May we continue to help in whatever way we can to save ourselves and others with their burns before its too late .Continue to write and share your knowledge.
Romans 5:3-5
We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
As believer our hope should be in God. We should live the life we are given and preserve it for His honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners of the life God entrusted to us. Its not for us to dispose of. 1 corinthians 6:20 tells that our life was bought with a price, the blood of Jesus, therefore we should live our life to show gratitude. God gave us a commands us not to kill, suicide is the same. Its just the killing of oneself. There is not repentance in the grave. There is temptation on this earth, that God cannot take us through. He told that if our burden is too much we should take it to him, he will give us is yoke that is light. God loves and cherish us that he made plans and solution to help us as we walk this pathway.
1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Such a heartfelt topic for me. I spent 4 days fasting and praying for my daughter to breathe on her own and come out of her coma. I was vigilant and selfish. I didn’t want to loose my baby. She was 14. I told God I would do anything to have her back again. I wanted what most moms want for their children. A happy life, marriage, children and to be strong in the faith. I was blessed with a miracle. She came back, but she had changed. Sadly she didn’t want me in her life. You see, her friends told her she would be better off dead. They were wicca and had convinced her that she would never be happy alive. I knew nothing of this until she came out of the hospital. It’s been her decision to live apart from me. Of course I’m hurt, but she’s alive! She has a nice husband and two beautiful little girls. My prayer 🙏 is that her heart opens up to me. She turns 34 next week. That’s 20 years she’s been blessed with life! God is awesome! I give Him all praise and glory for ever and always!