Value of Life

I know I have had this conversation before, but I heard it asked again today. It was about what happens to a serviceman who commits suicide. Even though these men and women have given so much of themselves for their country, no one gets a free pass... not even Peter, James, and John (some of Jesus’ disciples). To be honest, it doesn’t matter if it is a serviceman or a civilian, the end result is the same. The answer does not depend on who we are or what we have done. We cannot claim that they are all saved or they are all condemned. Sadly, there were some churches years ago (and still some today) that believed that committing suicide was an automatic ticket to hell. I want to state first that I believe that God hates suicide, for God is the giver of life, but then He hates all kinds of sin. On this side of heaven, none of us die innocent apart from the saving grace of Jesus. If our eternity was based on our best actions, none of us would be saved. We are saved by having a genuine living faith in Jesus and His sacrificial death for us on the cross. I believe (my words, not God’s) that some suicidal thoughts are caused by medication, some by extreme pain and PTSD, some by cowardice, some are premeditated, and there are other outside influences. This does not excuse the taking of life... just noting that there are outside influences. Some of those same influences cause people to sin in other ways. God alone is the judge of eternity, but the basis of salvation is in grace through faith in Christ. I think that assisted suicide, whether by medical staff or “civilian” is still taking a life God gave and would be a sin in God’s eyes. So, the question about Military suicides, just as it is in civilian suicides, is an issue of faith and action. No faith, according to God’s word, is condemnation. Suicide of a believer due to outside influences is judged by God alone. A better question or approach is to bring God’s word to the lost and hurting. Befriend someone who is serving or has served and be a spiritual encourager and a friend. Many deal with silent battles within. Support Christian outreaches. We may not always be aware, but God is able to draw hearts to Himself. Lord, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary, may we never cease reaching out to those that have served. Amen