IN THE NAME OF JESUS

As we’ve noted earlier, prejudice is rampant in our world today, as it was during Jesus’ time. We think that good only comes from those with power, those who are economically well off, those with higher education. We tend to think that only bad news comes from the poor, from outsiders, from people with mental health issues and other disabilities. We look down on those less fortunate.

The trouble is that those of us who feel looked down on start believing we don’t deserve anything better. And how sad that is!

The idea of prejudice, of one person having greater worth than another, did not come from God. In Philippians 2:3-4 the apostle Paul wrote the following about how to imitate Jesus: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

You can see how we should never buy into the idea of ourselves being less worthy—no matter how powerful, smart, rich, or good-looking others may be. If God made us different from others that could be a good thing. We will have gifts others might not have, making it possible to serve God in a special way. Each of us has such gifts. Each of us has worth. Each of us has the opportunity to do what might be least expected from us.

Each of us is of great worth to God. What might God have had in mind when he created your friend living with mental health issues?

There are many who have found ways to serve God despite handicaps. In fact, Jesus said, “for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Sometimes those who deal with illness can be there for others in ways not possible for those who are healthy. If you have an opportunity, tell a friend who could use a boost about the following amazing individual who proved that to be true.

Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs because of a rare congenital disorder. Imagine what his days must be like. Getting out of bed, getting dressed, having breakfast. But after a childhood of bullying and thoughts of suicide, he is now one of the best motivational speakers, changing thousands of lives. He wouldn’t be able to do this if he wasn’t able to show how his faith has affected his difficult life.

“My faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and (being) a Christian since age 15, has actually been the root and foundation of everything that has given me my purpose,” Vujicic said. “My joy, my attitude or gratitude, to believe that heaven is real helps me  . . . to believe that my purpose can actually motivate people to not give up here but also make decisions for eternity.”

Vujicic said he felt isolated, experiencing depression along with suicidal thoughts throughout his life. He described his experience, finding comfort in the love he received at home. He explained that 40 percent of suicide attempts happen because of bullying at school, and he was not an exception.

“. . . at age 10, I had premeditated my suicide for two years. I went into the bathtub, and I tried to drown myself, and there was only one thought that stopped me from going through with it. It was because I had a mom and dad that every day told me: ‘You’re beautiful. We love you.’ And, because of that love, I stayed. If you’ve never ever been told these words, I love you. I don’t know who you are. I couldn’t care less. I love you.”

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone who was living a difficult life had someone tell them that? If everyone would so freely be able to tell them, “I love you?”

Make sure you check out this YouTube video. Nick shares an amazingly inspiring message.

marja

(I’m not a professional caregiver. Since 2006, I have given spiritual support as a peer to people living with all sorts of mental health issues. I write from the point of view of someone who has been there and understands—someone who wants to share the faith she has found in God.)

This has been Part 10 of the series In  the Name of Jesus. Go to Part 11 – Suicide Loss