Suicidal dilemma

"...but it is better for you that I live. I am convinced of this, so I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith." Philippians 1:24-25 (NLT)

What I've decided to call the "Suicidal dilemma" is the place where an individual weighs the benefits of death over life. Here, in Philippians, Paul is highlighting the fact that he actually longs for death, and the union that will bring him with Christ - but (and this is a big "but"!) the balancing thought for that is the benefit Paul's staying alive will have for those he influences and impacts.

Suicide, in and of itself, is very much selfish. I know there are chemical imbalances, and all kinds of different extenuating circumstances that make suicide seem a more appealing solution. But when you take a step back and analyze the mental statements you are making ("I'm too ashamed...", "I don't know how I can live with this...", and so on), they become very self-centric.

The Christian life, as evidenced by Paul's words here, is about others - you don't live for yourself, and thusly you don't die for yourself. In fact, when we accept Christ into our lives, He becomes the purpose of our existence. And one of the primary purposes of our Christian lives is to share our relationship with God with others.

Many people think they have nothing to contribute, that they do not bring anything special to those around them - but they're wrong. Paul recognized that he brought something to those around him that no one else could - and I also think he challenges us to find that which God has placed in us (and no one else!) to bring to those around us.

The 'Suicidal dilemma' is the weigh station at the end of the line, and most everyone stopping there is weighing only their problems with their lives - they never include the ones God has placed around them. Suicide is never a solution, and I wouldn't classify it as an escape either. Rather, let us call it theft, for it is stealing others of what God might bring to them through yourself.