Time, centricity and choice by Gary Rose

I saw this saying some time ago and liked it so much that I decided to save it for future use; today is that day. This saying made me think why people stop doing things. To me, it breaks down into three segments, each increasingly more important.

First is the concept of absolutes. As long as there is life- there is hope; the situation may change. Just because we think something is over, does not mean that it is over. Often, God works in our lives on a different timescale than we can comprehend. Suppose God is working a work that will only come to fruition at the very end of your life? Don't give up- God may not be finished with you yet!!! 

Second is the concept of centricity. God is the focal point of all existence, not you! Get over yourself and look to God for direction and stop trying to direct everything in your life!

Lastly, is the concept of finality. How many people commit suicide each year without giving thought that they are applying a permanent solution to a temporary problem?

The Bible encourages us to go to God when we need help and not to rely just on our own ability to deal with life.

Here are to examples: Judas, who made a wrong decision and Peter who chose the right path....

Matthew, Chapter 27 (WEB)

¹ Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:  ² and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor. ³ Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,  ⁴ saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.”

But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.” 
  ⁵ He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself. 

Compared to...

Matthew, Chapter 26 (WEB)

 ⁶⁹ Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!” 

  ⁷⁰ But he denied it before them all, saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” 

  ⁷¹ When he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him, and said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 

  ⁷² Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.” 

  ⁷³ After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known.” 

  ⁷⁴ Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” 

Immediately the rooster crowed.  ⁷⁵ Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly. (emp. added, vs. 75)

AND...

Matthew, Chapter 28 (WEB)

¹⁶ But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.  ¹⁷ When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. (emp. added vss. 16f.) ¹⁸ Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.   ¹⁹  Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,   ²⁰  teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. 

Both were disciples of Jesus. Judas did not turn to either his fellow disciples or God, but applied a permanent solution to a temporary problem. He could have repented and remained faithful, but CHOSE NOT TO!!!

Peter, had remorse (he wept bitterly) but chose to trust God, gain strength from the fellowship of his brethren (Jesus' disciples) and eventually submit to the will of God. 

All this is not just restricted to suicide, it applies to a great many other things in life. Look to God for direction and your life will change for the better! 

And never, ever stop trying as long as you have one more breath to take.