News of Robin William's death spread quickly around the world and there was an immediate outpouring of sympathy (and unfortunately personal attacks on his family) as Williams was remembered for the years of entertainment he gave many generations.
In the tributes that followed, a particularly clever and sentimental one was that of Williams as the genie in 'Aladdin'. The caption, taken from movie read: "I'm free". However, this tagline bears no truth for anyone who does not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Freedom comes only through acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who came and gave His life for us here on earth, taking the penalty of death we deserve, for the wrong we have done. 1 John 5 verse 11 says "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."
His death, regarded as suicide, is particularly devastating because behind the scenes of his fame and entertaining talent were some ugly life circumstances that Williams apparently didn't feel capable of dealing with any longer.
The money he earned (just for his role in Bicentennial Man in 1999, he received $20m USD), the fame he carried and the ability to make an audience laugh didn't provide him with enough reason to live and so it was that on August 11, 2014 he ended his life.
Again... freedom comes only to those who believe in Jesus Christ and suicide or any other type of death in which the deceased does not know the Lord will lead to hell. There I said it, 'hell'. This word isn't common in today's society (unless used out of biblical context) but the bible is clear in its message that life after death exists and there are only two destinations available.
Any description of hell in the bible paints a picture of darkness and pain, not freedom. Think about the parable in Luke in which the rich man pleads for his earthly servant to come and just cool off his tongue because he was in agony or the man's request for his family to be spared the pain he was enduring.
I am not writing to disrespect Robin Williams, nor discredit the serious problem of mental health and suicide but I was certainly challenged by God as I heard the news of this death and I think it's an important point for us all to reflect on. For we are called to be witnesses of truth to the world, to share the news of the gospel to friends, family and others who don't know the Lord.
Ambassadors
We are called ambassadors for Christ and we carry an urgent message of hope and freedom that ultimately holds the key to everyone's future.
When there's an opportunity to share the gospel don't delay, as you spend time with God throughout your day pray for those who haven't received Christ as saviour. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit to boldly speak words of truth with love, wisdom and discernment.
I know it's hard, I struggle to find the words or seize opportunities to share the gospel, but this is an urgent message and we have the life-saving treatment to a life threatening illness.
Not only is this message one for the future, but as we look at what Robin Williams seemed to have going for him, I'm also challenged to carry a message that brings hope to the present. Fame and fortune obviously don't equate to a happy life, working a job just to keep up the Jones' will never be fulfilling and having a 'Christian' appearance can be (and too often is) faked.
The foundation of our life must be Christ, He must be the centre of every part of our being. Through the challenges of life we should draw closer to God, building our faith and exhibiting God's presence with us as our source of joy and peace.
Make the most of your life by glorifying God, don't chase the things of this world that will just rot and fade away but consider, with an eternal perspective, the future of those around you; for death will come to us all and Christ is the only ticket to heaven.
Genevieve Wilson is married with two children who served with YWAM for eight years in Brisbane and now serving in mission in Canada as a modern day abolitionist.
Genevieve Wilson's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/genevieve-wilson.html