Do Christians value their earthly lives at all?

Question

This question was recently posted here:

"Is it a sin to wish you were dead so that you'd be in heaven,closer to God?"

It is not the first time someone has said this kind of thing, by far, and I just can't believe that people would rather be dead than enjoy their lives. Is it me, or is this fanaticism?

I used to take Bible lessons from Jehovah's Witnesses who all felt this way, as well. So it seems to be a pretty common wish among Christians.

Thank you Michelle, but in five years of Bible study, I used my own Bible and was never encouraged to use any other version. I will agree that Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult sect...as are Mormons...but they are a cult sect of Christianity, like it or not.

TeeM: Maybe you should read some of the answers and you will see who would like to end their earthly lives to be in heaven. They are out there. And no thanks, I did five years...that's enough. And the people I knew would do whatever they could for the rapture/tribulation to happen right now. The question posted was one posted a day or so ago by a Christian. Don't tell me that you don't know these types.

Loved what you had to say, Sammy. :)

Answer 1

I think they definitely do. Good Christians will value their life and the lives of family, friends and their fellow man. There are varrying degrees of "live in the world, but do not become of the world" or "do not let the world in you" in various religions and various individuals. I think religion is great for some people, but this attitude taken to the extreme is the cause of the holier than thou, preachy, nosey, busy-body, judgemental whack jobs that you want to strangle or beat over the head with their Bible or Book of Mormon. I have know many good people in organized religion that mean well and deserve respect... unfortunately, more often than not I see hypocritical, idiots who have become defensive to the point of taking pride in their fantasies of god-like grace and moral superiority. I also find that many organized reiligions handicap their active members by overloading them with brainwashing about morality and rules, but really just want them to be obedient sheep so the organization will grow and become powerful and influencial. "You can have anal sex with the entire football team, but remember to repent, and tell me all the details of your sins, Molly."

Answer 2

First let me express my objection to you calling Mormonism a cult. That word is thrown around so much that it adds nothing to the conversation and only gets anger flowing. Mormonism does not compare with any of the groups we all agree were cults (such as Heaven's Gate or the People's Temple). I would also like to say that the JW organization probably isn't a cult either, just outside the mainstream.

Now I can give your original question the consideration it deserves.

I love my life and live it to the fullest allowed by the Gospel. I love the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this earth. At the same time, I don't dread death, as that is the next logical step in returning to Father. I don't want to go through the pains and sufferings of a drawn out death (I never was any good with pain).

One area in my mission was infamous for its violence, but I was called to preach there. Gun fights and gang wars were an every day occurance. When looking for a flat, I made sure the walls were strong enough to stop bullets. I sheltered my body when violence broke out; while prepared to die, I felt I could still do good here.

I am still young, with much left to experience. I savor my life without being afraid to lose it.

Answer 3

I have to say, I don't think this is a common wish among Christians. I attend a private university with about 5000 students actively training to impact the world for Christ--and excited about it, even if that means suffering or being a martyr. I also have to say I think it's okay to wish to be in heaven with God. In heaven there's no suffering. Even Paul says (I think it's in Romans--but if you're interested you can message me and I'll look up the exact verse for you) that in all his sufferings for Christ he counts himself blessed, but if he had to choose he would definitely choose to be with Christ in heaven. This is a man who was a disciple and a martyr. This is a Christian attitude we should all seek to immitate.

I guess my overall answer to your question is yes, Christians do value their lives. However, there are many who struggle with sin and difficulties and who have these unfortunate (and I think selfish) thoughts/feelings. But, we are all sinful and imperfect. We can't fix those with these attitudes, but we can support the people who have better attitudes.

Also, Jehova's witnesses aren't Christian....you know if a sect is christian if you ask a Christian and they say yes or no. And Jehova Witnesses don't use the Holy Bible that has been around forever. They use a BIble that the founder of their relgion a few years ago went through and took out the things he didn't like and added random things. They're suttle, but HUGE theological differences. email me if you have any questions about that.

Anyway, I hope this helps and I hope you encounter happier Christians.

Answer 4

I dearly value my earthly life because I know that I can do great things for God while on earth. Heaven going's to be great, and it is going to be forever. This is the only 'Hell' I will ever go through. I'll probably live for 60 more years (maybe more) and that's it for me on Earth. I want to make a difference. I want people to know about God. I don't want to die. I obviously look forward to Heaven the most, but I know it's coming pretty soon. 60 years is nothing compared to the billions of years I'll have ahead of me and then some.

This is your life. Have you repented of your sins and put your faith in Jesus?

P.S. Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult. They are not Christians, so it doesn't surprise me that they believe that.

Answer 5

Good Question again; Amazing this Q's brings out fighting about who's religion is true christian. The near future will see mankind come to the realization the earthly life is the only life: A concern then would be what are billions going to do without religions and their heavenly goal.

Answer 6

I'm confused by your comments / question.

The vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses hope to live on earth for an eternity.

So why would we want to die to get to heaven sooner?

I suggest you re study with J.W.'s again.

Personally I hope to live thru the Great Tribulation and never have to die.

If your question: is it a sin to purposely end your life, the answer is YES.

This life is a gift from Jehovah, and who in their right mind would want to throw away such a wonderful gift?

.

Answer 7

It's not a sin to wish to be in heaven, just acting on it with the idea that you'd be making it happen sooner would be the sin.
Having a life on earth, and all that it entails, is part of the deal.

Answer 8

Certainly heaven is something to look forward to and a place where a Christian desires to be. However, if God had no purpose for our being here on earth then He would have never placed us here. I think that it is important to be content where God has placed you and for now, it is here and certainly with great purpose. Isn't it best to wish to be right where God wants you? Well that place would be here on earth or else you wouldn't be here any longer. I look forward to heaven but I am so thankful I am here!

Answer 9

Wrong.There are many that are called and few chosen.Just because you come across some disturbed individuals that call themselves Christians does not make it so.If what they are saying runs counter to Scripture one sides with Scripture.I hear many unbiblical things said by so-called Christians in politics,but know these people are wolves in sheep's clothing.The answer is YES,we do value this gift of life here on earth.

Answer 10

Actually, if a Christian really does believe and know what is recorded in the Bible, they will see this life as a bitter-sweet experience.

Philippians 1:21 says, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." This means that although it would be a good thing to die and go to heaven, it is more important for us to live here and tell others of Christ's sacrifice.

In addition to this, we see in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that it is not our place to harm our bodies or hasten our death. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" In other words, we offer ourselves freely of our own will to do that which God has commanded in his word, and our bodies are now the temple of God. It would be a sin to harm that temple, and we are to take care of that temple.

For those Christians that speak of their wish to die, they clearly lack an understanding of their purpose as children of God. It is unfortunate that these individuals are in despare because of their lack of knowledge and understanding of the Bible.

I am personally a Christian, and I can tell you that although this life holds very much heartache and my future in heaven excites me, I want to do all I can for as long as I can now to spread the Word of God.