Faithful in a Few Things

And, what the Bible says--doesn't say--about suicide

I love the way the Holy Spirit works to reveal things when I read the Bible.

You’ll know what I’m talking about if you are also a dedicated Bible fan. You’re reading a passage you’ve read a hundred times before, and suddenly a phrase pops out as though God struck through it with a bright yellow highlighter to draw your attention.

Yesterday he highlighted a phrase that is part of Jesus’ parable about servants entrusted with various amounts of money (talents) to invest for him. The master returns, and to two of them he says, joyfully,

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Mt. 25:23).

Faithful with a few things. The Lord is not expecting or demanding that we slave away at multiple things every day of our lives, or that we are great at everything. He simply asks us to be faithful with the few things he has placed in our hands and hearts.

(Photo by Adrien King-Unsplash)

He wants us to remember who we are, and whose we are, and how he has called us to serve and represent him in this world.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17).

Whatever few things we do today, Lord, we do in your name, knowing that this is how we can love and please you, and where we will find our reward. Amen.

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Now to a more serious topic.

This weekend, I flew north with my daughter to attend a Celebration of Life for a young friend who took his life last December. It’s so unspeakably sad to think about someone with so much to live for losing all hope. But that is the state of things in this world. It happens, and there is no taking it back.

In light of this recent loss, I wanted to share an essay I wrote two years ago that became part of my book on counseling and soul care.

When I learned that a former client had committed suicide, it sent me on a deep dive to find every reference to suicide in the Bible, along with doctrinal statements that shed some light on the issue.

Here is a link to the essay. But before you jump there, a little caveat. The essay mainly addresses the suicide of believers. When loved ones end their lives and we have no assurance of their salvation, it can be even harder to bear.

I handle this emotionally with a combination of denial, humility, and hope.

I deny any unbelief I have ascribed to the person. I humble myself, knowing that I can’t know for certain what is in another person’s heart before they die. And I stand in hope that I will see my departed loved ones again, no matter how they died or what I think I know about their spiritual condition.

God is God, and I am not. He is far more merciful and wise than I, and I trust him to sort things out.

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Be well, my friends, and have a great week.

Your loving sister,

Ruth