Monday, March 05, 2007

Dying For Something To Live For

So occasionally I watch a show called Intervention. It comes on A&E. Probably one of the best "reality" shows on TV. They get an addict (drugs, eating disorder, cutting, you name it) to agree to be followed and filmed as part of a "documentary". What the person doesn't know is the show is really called Intervention and they are there upon their families request. The climax of the show is when the family and a professional counselor intervene with the addict during a surprise meeting. I won't bore you with details...just watch it yourself...but just know it's quite interesting and quite cool - you are literally watching people's lives be saved.

Last night I was watching a re-run of the show and they began promoting a brand new upcoming series. During the 30 second promo, you hear one of the addicts say, "I'm dying for something to live for." THAT caught my attention. What an important reality he had come to..and what a deep, spiritual truth that so many people living in spiritual darkness need to realize! Everyone wants hope. Everyone wants purpose and reason. And often we will do whatever it takes to fill that need.

So for all believers, here's your Monday morning encouragement: Be sure you're living a life that illustrates your hope and reason for living...and be on the lookout for those in desperate need of rescue.

5 comments:

Jonathan Sutton said...

One thing more: Often we say things like, "I'm dying to go to that football game," or "I'm dying to get that new job," etc,...but when this guy was saying I'm dying for something to live for, he meant he was killing himself, literally, because he was trying to find reason to live.

The distinction was probably obvious but thought I would mention it if not.

Unknown said...

I heard that phrase, I think it was yesterday and i cannot get it out of my head. I am not an addict, i actually have never used any drug or been intoxicated in my life and i still find that quote the most interesting quote i've heard in a while. I have worked at a drug and alcohol rehab w/ adolescents for a few years now and when i heard that, it really hit me. I don't think you could word it any better. OH and intervention is definitely the best reality show around, no sugar coating or anything, it's pretty much real life.

Anonymous said...

Michael
I happened to see that on the TV the other night. All i could think was that someone has finaly put into words what i have been feeling for the past few years. Everyday Im in excrutiating pain, and i take what I need to take to get through the day. I need something to live for, and I'm dieing for it. I still hope to find what im seraching for.

Jonathan Sutton said...

Anonymous,

Sorry to hear about your pain. I'm sorry you've been in pain for years now. Obviously I don't know what you're going through, but I pray like crazy that you can find peace and healing.

Please know that God loves you immensely. He created you just the way you are and the Bible tells us that He has unique plans for each of our lives.

I'm not sure how this will come across to you...I don't know your background and I don't know your thoughts on God...but I can say this with confidence and experience (especially when things are tough) - God is worth living for. He created you for great purpose. Ask Him for help. He can handle whatever you throw at Him.

God never promised us easy times. In fact, the Bible tells us that in life it's a given that we will face problems. But it also tells us that He has overcome anything we can face. Afterall, His only son Jesus died on a cross so that we could know Him and be in right relationship with Him.

Not trying to preach at ya man...and I'm no counselor...just want you to know, though, that I'm confident that if you place your trust in Him, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE...even overcoming this addiction/pain/whatever you are going through.

I pray your pain is eased my friend.

Anonymous said...

Jonathan,
An amazing thing happened. I heard the quote on the show and thought it would make a great sign for my church. Just for kicks I typed it into my search bar and came to your page. Wow! God is aweome! Your thoughts were just what I was thinking.
Anonymous,
It's as easy as ABC: Admit: you have a problem that you cannot handle by yourself and you need God to help. Believe: the son of God, Jesus, died for your salvation and rose again. Confess: Jesus as the lord of your life.
Just like the consequences that led to your pain, this will have an affect on your life as well. Read a bible, learn the truths and promises God has given you. You will never be the same!
Much love brothers! Shalom!