Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16)
The recent suicide of Robin Williams has shocked many. My heart breaks for the family and friends of Robin Williams, especially since I don't know what his relationship with Jesus Christ was at the end of his life. I once heard Robin Williams say, “I’m an Episcopal; that’s Catholic Lite. Same religion, half the guilt!” I hope he heard the gospel and put his full trust and faith in Jesus Christ.
In the wake of a high profile suicide, I often receive questions on suicide. The issue usually centers around what happens to believers who commit suicide. Some would make the argument that suicide is a one way ticket to hell, but I see only one sin in the Word that is a guaranteed ticket to hell, namely blasphemy against the Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). That is to live your whole life and reject the gospel and the conviction that hearing the gospel brings. Believers in Jesus Christ are a people marked by hope. In the case of people who have lost hope or as the above passage says "lose heart", I would submit to you that suicide does not send believers to hell. In fact in the Old Testament, in one final act of strength Samson pulled the pillars down killing himself and thousands of his captors (Judges 16:25-30). Samson is later noted in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:32). Let's not forget, Saul also committed suicide (1 Samuel 31), but King Saul is not mentioned in the Hebrew's Hall of Faith. Remember beloved, sometimes suicide is the cap stone on a life of hidden rebellion against God. Other examples of suicide in the Bible (Judges 9:52-54;2 Sam. 17:23; 1 Kings 16:18-19; Matt. 27:3-5), are all done in the context of shame and defeat. The Bible also gives us examples of Godly men who asked for their life to be taken, but God does not grant their request (Num. 11:12-15; 1 Kings 19:4; Jonah 4:1-11).
Losing heart may be related to one of two possibilities: sin and/or clinical depression. Losing heart may be sin related, I would challenge anyone who is thinking along those lines to first look inwardly and renew your mind to the examples, teaching and principles found in the word of God (Romans 12:2). But for some, the pain of depression is deeper. I once was speaking with a mental health doctor who told me, "Depression is the equivalent of cancer in our field." If someone's heart, liver, or kidneys don't function correctly, and they take a pill to help, Christians usually have no problem with that action. But unfortunately there is an inappropriate stigma with those who need medication to assist the brain in functioning correctly. The time we live in is one of the best to be alive due to all of the gifted men and women who have advanced medical science. I believe that God provides these minds and gifts as a means of help for all people, including God's people. So do not lose heart! If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, please do the following:
1. Pray for God's help.
2. Look to the Word of God for comfort and help.
3. Inform others who love you and you trust to pray for you.
4. See a doctor for help if the thoughts and pain remain.
The recent suicide of Robin Williams has shocked many. My heart breaks for the family and friends of Robin Williams, especially since I don't know what his relationship with Jesus Christ was at the end of his life. I once heard Robin Williams say, “I’m an Episcopal; that’s Catholic Lite. Same religion, half the guilt!” I hope he heard the gospel and put his full trust and faith in Jesus Christ.
In the wake of a high profile suicide, I often receive questions on suicide. The issue usually centers around what happens to believers who commit suicide. Some would make the argument that suicide is a one way ticket to hell, but I see only one sin in the Word that is a guaranteed ticket to hell, namely blasphemy against the Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). That is to live your whole life and reject the gospel and the conviction that hearing the gospel brings. Believers in Jesus Christ are a people marked by hope. In the case of people who have lost hope or as the above passage says "lose heart", I would submit to you that suicide does not send believers to hell. In fact in the Old Testament, in one final act of strength Samson pulled the pillars down killing himself and thousands of his captors (Judges 16:25-30). Samson is later noted in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:32). Let's not forget, Saul also committed suicide (1 Samuel 31), but King Saul is not mentioned in the Hebrew's Hall of Faith. Remember beloved, sometimes suicide is the cap stone on a life of hidden rebellion against God. Other examples of suicide in the Bible (Judges 9:52-54;2 Sam. 17:23; 1 Kings 16:18-19; Matt. 27:3-5), are all done in the context of shame and defeat. The Bible also gives us examples of Godly men who asked for their life to be taken, but God does not grant their request (Num. 11:12-15; 1 Kings 19:4; Jonah 4:1-11).
Losing heart may be related to one of two possibilities: sin and/or clinical depression. Losing heart may be sin related, I would challenge anyone who is thinking along those lines to first look inwardly and renew your mind to the examples, teaching and principles found in the word of God (Romans 12:2). But for some, the pain of depression is deeper. I once was speaking with a mental health doctor who told me, "Depression is the equivalent of cancer in our field." If someone's heart, liver, or kidneys don't function correctly, and they take a pill to help, Christians usually have no problem with that action. But unfortunately there is an inappropriate stigma with those who need medication to assist the brain in functioning correctly. The time we live in is one of the best to be alive due to all of the gifted men and women who have advanced medical science. I believe that God provides these minds and gifts as a means of help for all people, including God's people. So do not lose heart! If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, please do the following:
1. Pray for God's help.
2. Look to the Word of God for comfort and help.
3. Inform others who love you and you trust to pray for you.
4. See a doctor for help if the thoughts and pain remain.
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