It seems that sometimes people get to a place in their lives that they think that the only course of action is suicide. Clearly there may be many reasons that a person feels that this is the only solution- perhaps a physical condition of some sort, maybe an emotional or relationship issue, perhaps it’s a financial crisis and so forth. The possible reasons that lead to this cannot easily be enumerated in a few minutes. However, the question that I would like to address is, Is There A Better Option Than Suicide?
Jesus Christ said the following as recorded in the Book of John:
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [NASB]
He said the thief (and that is referring to the devil) only wants to steal, kill and destroy but he came to give us an abundant life in every category. If the devil can take your life, he certainly will, and you may think that this the greatest destruction that he can cause. It would be a critical mistake to think this. Maybe you’re already a Christian and think, “Well at least I will still have eternal life – even if I kill myself” – and you would be Biblically correct, but again, it would be a critical error.
Note the following from the Book of Second Corinthians:
2 Cor 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. [KJV]
I Corinthians puts it this way,
I Corinthians 3:8 – … and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. [KJV]
So, is there a better option than suicide? Certainly. If you are not yet a Christian, I highly encourage you to make Jesus your lord and to believe that God raised him from the dead. There are several other videos on our website discussing this.
So what is the better option? Well, quite simply, it is serving the lord. According to the Bible, we must all appear before the judgment seat to receive a reward for the labor that we have done for God. What sort of labor is he talking about? Anything that builds on the work that Jesus Christ did – and that is unbounded. There is just so much that every person can do – regardless of the ability, resources and even physical condition that they might find themselves in.
It may be really hard to live this life and that’s ok. Even God tells us that all those who try to live godly lives will suffer persecution – so you are in good company. The short life that we live here is not worthwhile comparing to all of eternity – so if this one is hard for the reasons that may have brought you to the point of considering suicide – the life in eternity will far surpass anything that you can possibly imagine. Stay the course – no matter the difficulties. Serve him with all that you have and with all that you can possibly do. Why would you consider checking out when you know that the work that you do while living this life will lead to reward for all of eternity? You only have one life to live for him – there isn’t another chance. The better option is to serve him now – despite the troubles that may stand in your way – and look ahead to the eternity that surely lies ahead.
And what’s more? As you do your utmost for him – in whatever capacity that you possibly can -God is on your side. His mercies are new every morning. His grace has no bounds and His power is available to you at every turn. Not only that, the Lord Jesus Christ is there to help you through all the temptations that you could possibly face. Listen to this from Romans.
Romans 8:38, 39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [KJV]
So, what is the better option? Serve him with all that you have – in whatever way that you can. The success of your labors has nothing to do with His promise to reward you for your efforts in service to him. Don’t suffer the loss of eternal reward by making a mistake that is driven by the one who wants to steal, kill and destroy. Instead look to Him who will be with you in this life and in the one that is to come.
Stay in the race and may God bless you every step of the way.