1. As with the non-Christian caller, determine as early as possible if the individual is really suicidal. Has he or she taken pills or poison? Is there a loaded gun which he or she threatens to use? As the conversation develops, try to obtain the person's name, address, and telephone number; the name of a relative living in his or her area; and the name of a pastor and a church. Always solicit information in a casual, friendly way in order to avoid arousing suspicion.
2. Remind the Christian that God always loves and cares: "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
3. Remind him or her also that we are God's children (quote John 1:12).
4. Emphasize the truth that God still forgives. Share "Restoration," page 17, emphasizing Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9. Confession results in forgiveness and restoration of fellowship.
5. Encourage him or her to look only to the Lord and not at the present problems and circumstances (Matthew 14:27–32; Proverbs 3:5–6).
6. Suggest that it is important to get into God's Word: hear, read, study, meditate, and memorize.
7. Remind him or her that prayer is a valuable resource and an essential part of a Christian's life (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6–7).
8. Recommend becoming involved in a Bible-teaching church as an important step in recovering emotional stability. Such identity permits fellowship with caring people who worship and work together.
9. The telephone helper could at this point ask if the inquirer would like a call from a supervisor the following evening. This will give him or her something to look forward to. Please give the "Counselor's Report Form" to a supervisor so that the promise is not forgotten.
10. Pray with the inquirer that God will come to him or her with new meaning, with a new measure of hope and trust.
10. Pray with the inquirer that God will come to him or her with new meaning, with a new measure of hope and trust.
Scripture
Proverbs 3:5–6 Matthew 11:28 Matthew 14:27–32 2 Corinthians 5:17 Philippians 4:6–7 1 Thessalonians 5:17 1 Peter 5:7
TEMPTATION
Background
As the compass needle is affected by magnetic attraction, so the Christian feels the attraction of sin. This is illustrated by Israel's desire to return to the "leeks and garlics" of Egypt (Numbers 11:5); and by Demas, the young man the apostle Paul mentions as having left the ministry because he "loved this present world" (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul describes the Christian as having two natures, the old and the new, which constantly compete for supremacy. The Christian must understand this, and learn to confront this "magnetic pull" of his or her own sinful nature and Satan's wiles.
A paragraph by Billy Graham helps put this into perspective: "God never promises to remove temptation from us, for even Christ was subject to it. . . . There is a sense of achievement and assurance that results from victory over temptation that cannot come to us otherwise. Temptation shows what people really are. It does not make us Christian or un-Christian. Overcoming the temptation does, however, make the Christian stronger and cause him or her to discover resources of power. . . . In times of temptation Christ can become more real to you than ever."
Some Things to Remember About Temptation
• Temptation is common to all Christians: "But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you" (1 Corinthians 10:13, TLB).
• Temptation is of the devil (Matthew 4:1–11).
• Temptation itself is not sin, but succumbing to it is.
Billy Graham says, "The sin is when we use the temptation for giving in. None of us should deliberately place ourselves in a position to be tempted. Satan will always attack where we are the most vulnerable. 'But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death' (James 1:14–15, NIV). A thought enters; we pamper it; it germinates and grows into an evil act."