Suicide, by its very nature, comprises selfishness. The individual has given up for one of two reasons. Either they cannot face what they have done or they think that things cannot improve. I use the word “selfishness” with some reserve. Leaving a note behind does not answer questions that family and friends try to answer. The one we hear most often is, “why did we not see it coming”? In some cases there may be signs of spiritual health declining. It does not follow that all who lose their faith will turn to suicide. The loss of faith, however, is the case of a person losing confidence in their connection to God.
Among the youth, it comes in a different form. How does a young man cleanse his way? The psalmist writes it is by taking heed to the Word of God (Psa. 119:9). Our young today, because of the influence of the crowd, develop heroes which they continue to look up to. When those heroes fail, either in life or by suicide, children get confused. If the heroes or famous people give up on life, then why should the young keep going? Herein lies the problem. The problem being is that when we lift up those of the world we do not have time to lift up the Christ.
Jesus, in speaking about His coming death said, if He was lifted up, He would draw all men to Him. Jesus was lifted up, that is crucified and the second part is likewise true. He draws all men to Himself. (John 12:32). Our best way to combat the sense of hopelessness in the hearts of the young is to instill in them a love for God’s Word which will lead them to a love of God. The unstable conditions in the world and failing economies cause many to throw up their hands and say, “what’s the use”. The Christian is different because his hands is on the plow and there is no turning back (Luke 9:62). Jesus promised, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).