Why Suicide Is Not the OptionNäide

Your life is more than your job

For most of us, our job is a source of livelihood. For a few, it's a passion, and for some of us it's a calling. But there are a few for whom job is everything, so much so that their dependence on their job is greater than their dependence upon God.

Ahitophel was a very cerebral man. He was logical, level-headed and well-focused in his thinking. Probably, these were the qualities that made him an advisor to King David. As an advisor, he occupied an enviable position, and for good reasons. He commanded the trust of the King. This shows that he was diligent as well (mark the man diligent in his business; he shall stand before kings and not obscure men). Both David and Absalom thought his advice was like God's advice (2 Samuel 16:23). His calculations were correct which made his conclusions credible.

Well, almost all—except for one critical mistake (or rather, several). We see that for this man, his job meant almost everything. His talent was recognized, he was respected, and his advice was followed as is. So when David fled from Absalom, Ahitophel decided to support the one in power and not the one after God's own heart. He went to the extent of advising Absalom to take David's concubines in broad daylight. This advice lacked morality, decency and any semblance of fairness let alone godliness. His allegiance to God waned, while his allegiance to man waxed stronger. His spiritual loyalty gave way to his political expediency. He did not consider the possibility that God, against whose servant he was plotting, was able to make things right, and could cause his good advice to be frustrated (2 Samuel 17:14). When he saw that his advice was not followed, his world came crashing down (2 Samuel 17:23).

Questions to ask myself today:

• Am I depending on my job more than on God?
• Is recognition of my talent more important than my alignment with my spiritual values?
• Is staying in power more important than remaining in God?

Questions to ask myself when I feel frustrated:

• Is my relationship right with God?
• Do I have the confidence to boldly approach the throne of grace to correct my faults?

There is no fault that God cannot save us from, nor one He is unwilling to redeem us from. Jesus gave His own life for us so we do not have to die for our faults. What God wants from me is that I return to Him and restore the peace that only He can give.

Today, remind yourself that God who loved you before you were born, who laid down His life for you so that you could be saved from your sin, and whoever is pleading with the Father for your forgiveness, loves you more than you can ever imagine. Nothing you face in life can separate you from His love.

In case you have been experiencing rejection by someone who seemed close to you all the time, remember that no one can be closer to us than God; no one can love us more than God does. If you have been through such experiences and would like to talk to someone, call Ananth Jeevan at +919063533826