Here is the latest article I published in our bi-weekly newsletter known as The Caller. I hope it makes you think.
Have we as a society lost the art of integrating Christ with the living out of our life? Have we failed to see the necessity in passing our faith along in a manner that allows those of a different era or generation or even our peers to understand what a follower of Jesus is to be?
When we call people to faith and they respond, do they understand that they are called o a life of living out God’s will in the world? Do we understand that there is more to Christian life then accepting Jesus and being baptized?
True conversion, true discipleship involves change and transformation in the midst of a sinful world. True conversion is not an isolated experience but one that is filled with growth in moral maturity, a deepening faith and loving service.
In his book, "Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture" Walt Mueller of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding says it this way: "the goal of our missionary efforts is to call the emerging generations to a compelling faith that transforms every area of life and every nook and cranny of God’s creation." DO WE DO THAT? DO we effectively communicate and live out a faith that is genuine, life altering and transforming to the people around us?
The emerging generations are self-consciously spiritual and their interest is in discussing and examining spirituality has never been greater...
SO WHAT DO THEY SEE WHEN LOOK INTO OUR LIVES AND WHEN THEY LISTEN TO WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY...DO THEY SEE AND HEAR JESUS?
Later Eh!
Steve
SUICIDE PART 2
I know this topic as well as the other’s in coming weeks, might not be everyone’s struggle, it might not effect you personally, it may even make you very uncomfortable, but I do guarantee you that several of you will have friends, families, coworkers whoever that will struggle with one of these topics and you need to know how to help them, how to respond, how to be involved in a positive manner.
The worst thing we can do is think the issues don’t exist, are weird or uncommon…these are real, they are common and they don’t go away when ignored.Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.It is the insane reasoning that ending your own life that a situation will be resolved and will make things better. Suicide is not new it is as old as time.
REASONS PEOPLE CONSIDER/ATTEMPT SUICIDE
1. To Escape the Pain of life, "Suicide occurs when there appears to be no available path that will lead to a tolerable existence." R.S. Taylor
2. An unconscious or conscious cry for help. (Elijah & Job)
3. An opportunity for revenge (Samson)
4. A manipulative gesture designed to influence some person who is emotionally close.
5. Quicken an inevitable death (King Saul)
6. To punish themselves for wrong done (Judas)
7. To Follow loved one (Saul’s Armor Bearer)
8. Demonic suggestion and oppression doubtless are significant factors in some (maybe all*) cases.
9. Depression/despair overall life circumstances
‘The number 1 cause of suicide is “UNTREATED DEPRESSION.” For the most part people who are depressed have already thought about suicide and they need to talk about it.
40% of all suicides are an impulse, spur of the moment incredibly stupid, selfish act, all because people wouldn’t take time to talk God or someone who cares.
These are real reasons people make the unreal decision to commit the ultimate act of escape. Please be watching your friends and family to see if they have any of the signs listed above.
Steve
The worst thing we can do is think the issues don’t exist, are weird or uncommon…these are real, they are common and they don’t go away when ignored.Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.It is the insane reasoning that ending your own life that a situation will be resolved and will make things better. Suicide is not new it is as old as time.
REASONS PEOPLE CONSIDER/ATTEMPT SUICIDE
1. To Escape the Pain of life, "Suicide occurs when there appears to be no available path that will lead to a tolerable existence." R.S. Taylor
2. An unconscious or conscious cry for help. (Elijah & Job)
3. An opportunity for revenge (Samson)
4. A manipulative gesture designed to influence some person who is emotionally close.
5. Quicken an inevitable death (King Saul)
6. To punish themselves for wrong done (Judas)
7. To Follow loved one (Saul’s Armor Bearer)
8. Demonic suggestion and oppression doubtless are significant factors in some (maybe all*) cases.
9. Depression/despair overall life circumstances
‘The number 1 cause of suicide is “UNTREATED DEPRESSION.” For the most part people who are depressed have already thought about suicide and they need to talk about it.
40% of all suicides are an impulse, spur of the moment incredibly stupid, selfish act, all because people wouldn’t take time to talk God or someone who cares.
These are real reasons people make the unreal decision to commit the ultimate act of escape. Please be watching your friends and family to see if they have any of the signs listed above.
Steve
SUICIDE IN AMERICA
Here are some of the helps I published for those struggling with Suicide from the Student Ministry Blog published at wccocstudentsonline.blogspot.com
SUICIDE IN AMERICA
I don’t think there is anything in this life more heartbreaking than suicide. It affects much more than the one life lost. The family, friends, acquaintances, community and generations to come are affected by the choice to die of one solitary person. Many of us may have at least thought of it personally at some low point in our life. Even though they didn’t attempt suicide the spiritual giants of the Bible Elijah and Job begged God for death in their darkest hours. So what about today? How real is the threat of suicide in America and our teens today?
FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE IN THE USA
- 500,000 Americans attempt but survive suicide attempts per year.
- More than 30,000 reported annually (83 per day, 1 every 17 minutes)*
- Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death; But 3rd among Youth (15-24).
- In recent survey 60% of teens thought about it, and 9% had tried at least once.
- Persons under 25 accounted for 15% of all suicides in 2000. (From the 1950’s to the late 70’s the suicide rate increased by 200%.)
- Psychological autopsy studies show that more than 90% of completed suicides had one or more mental disorders.- More people die from suicide than from homicide.
- 4 males commit suicide to every 1 female suicide even though females have more recorded attempts…(Why? Women use less lethal means.)
- Most attempts are from women in their 20’s and 30’s.
- Suicide rates are highest among the divorced, separated, and widowed and lowest among the married.
- 4,135 youth commit suicide every yearI hope you can begin to see the seriouosness of the suicide in America.
Look for posts to follow with more info and helps for suicide later on.
Steve
SUICIDE IN AMERICA
I don’t think there is anything in this life more heartbreaking than suicide. It affects much more than the one life lost. The family, friends, acquaintances, community and generations to come are affected by the choice to die of one solitary person. Many of us may have at least thought of it personally at some low point in our life. Even though they didn’t attempt suicide the spiritual giants of the Bible Elijah and Job begged God for death in their darkest hours. So what about today? How real is the threat of suicide in America and our teens today?
FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE IN THE USA
- 500,000 Americans attempt but survive suicide attempts per year.
- More than 30,000 reported annually (83 per day, 1 every 17 minutes)*
- Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death; But 3rd among Youth (15-24).
- In recent survey 60% of teens thought about it, and 9% had tried at least once.
- Persons under 25 accounted for 15% of all suicides in 2000. (From the 1950’s to the late 70’s the suicide rate increased by 200%.)
- Psychological autopsy studies show that more than 90% of completed suicides had one or more mental disorders.- More people die from suicide than from homicide.
- 4 males commit suicide to every 1 female suicide even though females have more recorded attempts…(Why? Women use less lethal means.)
- Most attempts are from women in their 20’s and 30’s.
- Suicide rates are highest among the divorced, separated, and widowed and lowest among the married.
- 4,135 youth commit suicide every yearI hope you can begin to see the seriouosness of the suicide in America.
Look for posts to follow with more info and helps for suicide later on.
Steve
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