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| Robin Williams (1951-2014) |
The theological arguments that surround suicide are as numerous as the stars in the sky. Some believe and teach that it's an unforgivable sin; some believe that if one is truly saved, suicide would not enter the mind; and some even believe that it is the desperate act of a troubled and tortured soul. Having known several people who have succeeded in bringing about their own deaths, and having attempted it myself, I, for obvious reasons, believe that it is the desperate act of a troubled and tortured soul. It was not my time to go.
God's mercy and grace is endless as well. He generously forgives those who ask. He allows each individual to have the opportunity to accept Jesus right up to the time of death. There are no exceptions. Some people believe in the "death bed" acceptance. In my opinion, it all comes down to an individual's relationship with Jesus.
Every day, an average of 105 people in the US take their lives. Yesterday, we focused on one. He is not the first celebrity to leave this world on his own terms, nor will he be the last. He made us laugh, he made us cry. He gave back to the world in so many different ways. He earned the respect of his peers, of his fans and communities throughout the country. We will remember him as many different faces and voices. His characters will become legendary (if they aren't already). The question still remains...was he, at the moment of his death, one who was known to Jesus? Did he fear the Lord? That now is between him and God. No prayers at this point can or will change that. We can, however, pray for comfort and strength to his family.
Each of us is a child of God. We each have the same opportunity to choose to walk with Jesus. Don't leave it till your death bed...there may not be one!
