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| Junior Seau |
The suicide of NFL great Junior Seau this past Wednesday has shocked
the sports world and devastated the community where Seau lived and worked and
served.
Junior Seau was larger than life to many people in Southern
California. He was one of the greatest football players ever, and off the field
he was an enormous presence for good through charity work and community
involvement. All of which makes his death so much harder.
As a football fan, I loved watching Junior play. As a Christian, I heard that he was also a follower of Jesus, which puts another twist on this tragedy.
I won’t presume to comment on Mr. Seau’s faith. That was a matter between him and Christ. We all need to pray for his
family, friends, and fans. May God bring them comfort and peace, and may He somehow turn a terrible circumstance to a greater good.
But since this tragedy raises questions and concerns that touch us all, I
do want to make some comments.
- Suicide is a sin because it breaks the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill [murder]” (Exodus 20:13). It also usurps God's role as the Lord of life and of death.
- Suicide inflicts lasting pain on family and friends, who wonder if it was their fault and agonize about what they might have done to prevent it.
- Even Christians can become so depressed from mental or physical illness that they consider suicide. So could a true Christian take his own life? Yes, I think so.
- But let's also be careful to add that just claiming to be a Christian doesn't make you one. Praying a "sinner's prayer" or going forward at an evangelistic service doesn't necessarily mean you've been converted. The assurance that you're saved comes not from a particular "decision" you make, but from the changes that God works out in your life over time. It's what the Bible calls "fruit"--qualities like holiness, love for other Christians, and fidelity to the truth of Scripture. (See, for example 1 John 3:1-10).
- Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. Jesus said only one sin is unforgivable, and He called it blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (see Mark 3:28-30). The Holy Spirit is the one who shows us that we’re sinners, that God loves us, that Christ died for us, and that He demands and deserves to be Lord of our life. To reject Christ is, in effect, blaspheming the Holy Spirit because it calls Him a liar. No true Christian can commit this sin.
- The gift of salvation is not based on any works that a sinner does. God forgives and cleanses a sinner based on Christ's work. Jesus' atonement is infinitely precious and worthy. So every sin that one of God's children has committed or ever will commit was paid for at the cross. (See Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 10:14).
- Nobody, no matter how wealthy, powerful, successful, or famous, is immune to the ravages of sin or the brokenness of this fallen world. Family, friends, and a generic faith in God are a blessing, but they are not enough to give us victory in this life or carry us home to heaven. Jesus is our only hope, no matter who we are.
