(Originally posted on my previous blog in September 2019)
I’ve just heard the news that Jarrid Wilson killed himself on the 9th of September. My heart goes out to his family & friends. Another soul taken by suicide, another christian; a pastor, gone.
It’s a subject that evokes a lot of emotion ; sadness, anger, confusion, questioning why and how did this happen.
Christians don’t kill themselves, do they? Well, the term christian is thrown around so much these days, what it means to one person means the opposite to another, as everyone interprets scripture differently. Heaven forbid they just read through the Bible and take it for what it is, read the symbolism where the symbolism is and see the overall pattern to Gods written Word and live their lives by it.
People have been adding & taking away from the Bible for years, producing more watered down versions, so much so you couldn’t even call it scripture. Itching ears want to hear what suits them , not what God says. Talk of prosperity, positivity, having it all, being constantly happy is what fills the mega churches.
There’s more talk of self than of God. Mega churches ( regular size too) feel like a positivity seminar with talks on how to live your best life. We should be living for Jesus! The one who saved us, who died on the cross and rose three days later for us, conquered death for us!! This ‘only talking in a positive way’ isn’t helpful. If you are struggling with something or going through a rough patch and not feeling positive, you’re then going to feel bad about it, causing you to question your faith, planting seeds of doubt, even.
It’s normal to go through trials & tribulations, the Bible speaks of it often. Being a Christian doesn’t mean an easy life, which the Bible makes clear. Look at the persecuted Church, look at the world, how can you remain positive when people are killing their babies, becoming more & more depraved each day? It grieves my heart to see it…but God. He lifts me up, He gives me hope, and that should be our focus, it’s faith, not feelings, that matter.
If you look at the book of Psalms you can see David going through trials & thoughts of despair, and what does he do? He turns to God, gives it all to Him, puts his trust in Him, and God takes care of him, giving him the strength to go on.
When you go to a church, ask yourself this: is what they are teaching in line with scripture? We don’t question these things, yet we are told to, by God, through the apostle Paul, to test all things. Be discerning, don’t be afraid to correct those who aren’t teaching sound doctrine. It wouldn’t be loving not to mention it if the teachings of some are leading people astray, and in some cases, leading them to hell.
If I love someone, and as a christian we are called to love everyone; I want to tell them about Jesus. I want them to know Him, to be saved by His grace, so why would I want them to be following teachings that aren’t Biblically correct? Yes, they are free to follow who they choose, but sharing your concerns with them does not make you a bad Christian, or judgemental, it makes you a loving one, who cares more about what God thinks than what people think.
I feel that Churches don’t deal with depression,suicidal thoughts, and mental health in general, the way the Bible shows us to. They have conformed to the world and are happy to dish out “christian psychology”, advise them to do yoga & meditate, visualize techniques, not wanting to comment on anti-depressants because most of the church are taking them.
It’s such a sad state. Why aren’t there support groups? Meeting together to bare each others burdens, as the Bible says. That means to confide in each other and pray for each other. Research shows that therapy sessions are no better help than a chat with a friend, so why aren’t we, as brothers & sisters in Christ, talking to each other about these things so we can take them, together, to the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus.
Think on this verse in 1 Peter v5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ” Cast ALL your care upon Him, He will always be there for you, through out trials and through out celebrations. He is the wonderful counselor to cast our cares upon. Seek the Lord & His Word over preachers & books. Pray & wait upon the Lord.
Thoughts & Faith 