Living and Dying

Our times are in the hands of the Lord.  We must be careful that we do not try to enter the domain that belongs to Him regarding life and death.  There is a continuum that we see in the pro-life community, dedicated to allowing pre-born children to live, and that extends to euthanasia and assisted suicide, where people, especially the infirmed, hasten their death, even with assistance from medical professionals and the stamp of approval of government authorities.   The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 31 (ESV):
12 I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.
13 For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side! — as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God. ”
15 My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
16 Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!

The House of Lords, one of the chambers of the British Parliament, has been debating legislation that would allow assisted suicide in the country.   An article at the Live Action News website quoted from a member of the House of Lords, Andrew Roberts.  It offered these talking points:

The article went on to say: "Rather than seeing assisted suicide laws as the discriminatory measures that they are, threatening the lives of vulnerable individuals, Roberts said assisted suicide may be the 'greatest' medical advancement since penicillin."  The Christian Today website highlighted some who have spoken out against the legislation, stating: "Bishops were among the members of the House of Lords speaking out against plans to legalise assisted suicide in England and Wales...," adding, "Over 90 peers addressed the Lords on Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on the first day of a two-day debate..."

The British House of Commons has already passed the bill, according to a Christian Today article, and one of the leading groups opposing the legislation is Christian Concern.  Its chief executive, Andrea Williams, is quoted as saying: "This bill opens up the option of suicide to anyone who has been given six months or less to live. But many patients outlive doctors' expectations, sometimes by years. The fact is that not even doctors can reliably predict how long someone has left to live."  She added:

"A terminal diagnosis is not the end of the story. But Kim Leadbeater's bill would nudge many vulnerable people towards seeing suicide as a solution to their illness. Hundreds if not thousands of people each year would miss valuable time with loved ones - and in some cases the chance of recovery.

“Assisted suicide claims to be compassionate but, in fact, it turns vulnerable people into problems that can be ‘fixed’ with a lethal injection.

In its piece, Live Action stated: "The legalization of assisted suicide is part of the death culture that is plaguing modern society. Killing preborn humans through abortion and the sick and disabled through assisted suicide are not actions that work to advance culture, foster community, or improve medicine. Rather, they tragically ensure discrimination remains alive and well."

Life is a gift and is not to be taken for granted.  Sadly, there are many who have made the decision to take their own lives, and we must remember, during September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, and throughout the year, that the Church has an opportunity to provide hope for the hurting, for those who believe that life is no longer worth living.

But, government officials and health professionals should not be involved in helping someone to take his or her own life.  And, when you have the vulnerable, who may be nearing the end of life - this type of legislation can help some hasten death, and, as it's been pointed out, certainly open the door to the taking of life whether or not someone who is infirmed.

We should always be promoting the concept of life to our culture, for those who do not regard life as a gift of God.   And, we should recognize that God has called us to live for His glory.