Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a “Celebrate Recovery’s 12 Steps and Their Biblical Comparisons” meeting with two of my cousins. The meeting was very upbeat and had an energetic atmosphere. I am truly thankful that groups like these exist for individuals to receive support and camaraderie. I agreed with the majority of information I heard at the meeting and I am somewhat hesitant to mention my concerns and views; however, my conscience is not allowing me to not speak…My caution is to anyone involved in organized groups like this one specifically or ones similar, please do not accept everything you hear or see without exploring the content for yourself. My heart became troubled over words used in two of the twelve steps, it may just be the words themselves but for me to not share my views seemed unconscionable. Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity and Step 6: We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. The word “sanity” for me is too strong and for me I prefer ” the renewal of your mind” in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” My second word of concern is “defect” I believe that we are all born uniquely created by God and that we all are born with a purpose. The verse I would select is Psalms 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Ok, for the record, I am not a theologian, these are my personal preferences, it is entirely possible that these passages and references were instilled in me by someone, much like the “Celebrate Recovery’s 12 Steps and Their Biblical Comparisons.” So, I am not throwing stones, merely sharing my belief and a word of caution, you can’t believe everything you hear…you must seek knowledge on your own as well. I have most recently been writing about faith and what is means to me, faith is personal…whatever you may have faith in should be personal. I am specifically talking about my faith in God and I have no proof or logic to give you only that I do believe in a power greater than myself and that power is the Holy Trinity, God the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I have been involved in church activities my whole life, but I am also celebrating a recovery, just as with any addiction…sin! Humans are sinful, and we must daily pray and ask God for guidance and support, we are born sinful by nature and battles are won daily and will continue to rage on until the war is over, that will be when Jesus comes for His followers and we will live with Him forever in Heaven. Until that day, we are all in a state of recovery, daily we must arm ourselves with grace, mercy, love and forgiveness for ourselves as well as all the people we come in contact with. God loves each of us and desires to be in relationship with us, He is just wanting to be asked to share your life, all of it the good times, the sad times and lonely times…there is not a single event in our lives that God doesn’t want to share with us. If it’s been awhile since you have talked with God, go ahead and call upon Him now, He’s available 24/7/365…no waiting/no appointment necessary. Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
~Blessings and Peace~
References:
http://ssalinda.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/58/
Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
For it is God who is at work in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. PHILIPPIANS 2:13
Step 6: We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
JAMES 4:10 NIV
HOPE SEEKER 