Why Not Commit Suicide?

Many Christians are familiar with the command from God to die to self - this post is not about that. It is about the suicide of ending ones own physical life.

How many of us believe or would assert that "to die is gain"? We often tell others when someone dies that "they are in a better place". We tell people heaven is more than we can even begin to imagine in its perfectness, loveliness, wonderfulness and so much more. Heaven can only be described as... heaven. Along with this, this world is full of hardships, and trials, persecution, suffering, etc. Yes there are those things we love in this life; family, friends, the comforts we find amidst it all. But, all that we love in this world is nothing compared to how amazing heaven will be - right?

So why not commit suicide?

Let me say first, I am not saying that we should kill ourselves. I am just asking why are we here, and why are we supposed to be here. What is our purpose? We do have a purpose, there is reason for us being - for us living.

Where Paul wrote, "to die is gain" he began with "to live is Christ". He continued "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. " (Philippians 1:23,24)

In these words of the Bible, we find the reason for life. Our purpose is others. Some would say that our purpose is worship, I would not entirely disagree; but if it is worship - once again, why not commit suicide, and spend an eternity in worship? The call is that it is needful for others that we are here. The world is full of those who will enter eternity, condemned in their sin, without Christ. And as such, there will not be heaven for them; their fate will be hell. Far worse than anything we can imagine.

So knowing this, what our life is for - is it our focus? Our life is set apart to be a tool to bring others to know and serve Jesus - do we live in light of this truth? If not, it's probably because our focus is ourselves. So let's change the focus. It's not about me, it's about everyone else. It's about being about His work, His Mission, His message. It's about evangelism. Truly, there is no greater purpose.