Why are we unchanged?

"12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do." (Heb. 4:12-13)

"4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character." (AA steps 4-6)

Revolutionary teachings in 12-Step Recovery are those of self-examination, confession and the necessity of change. We are to 'stop at nothing' and uncover all resentments, all fears, all secret sins, lust, pride and any other character flaw that serves to keep us in bondage and impacts our relationship with God. In fact, in each authentic recovery meeting these teachings will be read and explained as the source of true freedom.

Imagine, if you will, if these principles were taught as 'essential' to authentic Christian discipleship in our Churches each Sunday, in our 'small groups' throughout the week and openly discussed by all members? Suppose we also presented this message as VITAL to true freedom in Christ...and guide those that surrendered to Him through the process of Steps 4-6? The fact is...these teachings ARE ESSENTIAL to the Christian experience. Yet, for some reason, the Western Church has a high tolerance for 'a faith in Christ' that expects minimal character change. As long as an individual agrees to quit the BIG SINS -- such as drugs, alcohol, adultery, murder, stealing, etc...he or she can continue to live with unforgiveness, resentments, pride, bitterness, fear and all types of idolatry. But...this is not THE WAY OF CHRIST. He, by the Spirit, desires to expose us for who we really are -- even to ''deepest parts of our nature". There is no other way and this is never easy or a one-time event. It requires openness, honesty and 'fearless' accountability. For most of my life, I was living in fear of exposure and would have considered this teaching as 'too radical' and the accountability as 'restrictive'. I know today that these principles are, and will always be, the key to my freedom...FREEDOM IN CHRIST. In fact, I WILL NOT SURVIVE if I follow any other path.

Lane

Reflections on 'Pro-Choice'...

"I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me." (Words of Jesus, John 5:30 - AMP)

"Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God...praying only for knowledge of His Will and the Power to carry that out." (Modified version of Step 11 of AA)

The presidential candidates were recently asked questions by Rick Warren, a pastor in California, relating to their views on abortion. I thought about the two opposing positions...and reflected on the fact that one of the candidates claimed to be a follower of Christ, yet was adamantly 'Pro-Choice'. The words of this candidate 'sounded right' while discussing his dependence on Christ ... yet I was bothered. It then occurred to me that this 'stance' reveals a fundamental belief: the value of the mother's opinion overrides any other value or opinion. The value of the child is not considered and, even more importantly, the will of God is not the ultimate authority. In essence, the 'Pro-Choice' position is "My will be done...whatever the cost...whatever it takes...no matter what or who stands in the way."

As a Christian in recovery, I am VERY familiar with this 'logic' as it is embedded in my nature, along with the rest of the human race (see Genesis 3). In fact, 'Pro-choice/Pro-control' lead to addiction and destruction as I lived a life of self-fulfillment. However, this need to be in control by 'surrendering to my own will' stands contrary to authentic Christianity (& authentic recovery). The 'basic instruction' for the Christian, as taught in the principles of recovery, is submission to a Higher Authority -- the WILL of GOD. Once we make the radical claim to be a servant of Christ (consistent with Step 3), we no longer have the option to live by our own will. Our instruction is to follow the example of Christ...Who did not consult His own opinion, seek His own will or do what was only pleasing to Himself (see John 5, John 14-17). There is no 'soft, easy way' in this journey... In other words, 'my choice' can no longer be the final authority. The one clarifying question to ask an individual that wants to be a servant of Christ and submit to His Lordship is: "Are you willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost, to follow Christ ... even if it means surrendering your will and your own opinions to His authority?"

'Pro-choice' (making decisions independent of God) always leads to death and destruction. Pro-choice is not an issue such as 'lower taxes', 'better education' or 'a clean environment'... Pro-choice is all about who (or WHO) is in control. I remember the words of Jesus when facing imminent death, "...not my will, but Your will be done."

Lane

Spiritual Roots of Recovery: Part III

This web site, http://www.dickb.com/, is an excellent resource that explores the authentic spiritual roots of recovery. His research his undeniable, yet somewhat controversial for those that want to remove all references to Christianity in AA's formation. I want to conclude these 3 posts with a bit of content from this site:

What Early A.A. Was Really Like
You won't learn this in A.A.'s basic text today or in our meetings. But the simplicity of early A.A. will really astound you! And we are here speaking to the pioneer A.A. Christian Fellowship in Akron that developed our program and was led by Dr. Bob. Abstinence was Number One. Usually there was hospitalization or at least medical help to save the newcomer's life. At the hospital, only the Bible was allowed in the room. Recovered drunks visited the patient and told their success stories. The newcomer had to identify, admit that he too was licked, and that he would do whatever it took. Dr. Bob visited daily. Then, he would explain the “disease” as it was then understood; and, on the final day, Dr. Bob asked two questions to which there was only one answer: (1) Do you believe in God? (2) Are you willing to get down on your knees and pray? Reliance on the Creator was Number Two. The newcomer then gave his life to Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Many were too sick to venture far; so they lived with the Smiths (and later others) in Akron homes. It is a myth that they recovered in an afternoon or in four easy lessons. They shook. They shivered. They fidgeted. They forgot. They were ashamed, insecure, and guilt-ridden. But they learned from the Good Book what a loving God had made available. Obedience to God’s will was Number Three. They were expected to walk in love and to eliminate sinful conduct from their lives. Growth in Fellowship with their Heavenly Father was Number Four. At the homes, they had daily Quiet Time (Bible study, prayer, asking guidance, reading a devotional, and discussing Anne Smith's Journal). They shared their woes and problems with Dr. Bob, with Anne (his wife), and with Henrietta Seiberling. They also had personal Quiet Times in their individual lives or at their home. They had one meeting a week. No drunkalogs. No whining. No psychobabble. Just prayer. Reading from Scripture. Quiet Time. Use of The Upper Room or similar devotionals for discussion. Then surrender upstairs for the newcomer in a prayer session resembling that in James 5:14-16. The newcomer confirmed his decision for Christ. [This confession of Christ by which the newcomer became born again has been confirmed as a “must” by four different and well-known A.A. old-timers—J. D. Holmes, Clarence Snyder, Larry Bauer, and Ed Andy.] At that time, the "elders" (usually Bob and T. Henry and one other) prayed with him that alcohol be taken out of his life, and joined him in asking that he be guided to live according to God's will. Intensive help for other alcoholics was the Fifth element. Following the surrender upstairs, downstairs there were announcements about newcomers at hospitals. Religious comradeship and attendance at a church of choice were recommended but not required. Socializing. And it started all over again.

Wow, no wonder the early success rate was so incredibly high ... it was the POWER of GOD and an ongoing relationship with Him that brought change!

Lane

Spiritual Roots of Recovery: Part II

As those of us in recovery know, the first 12-step program was originated by the founders of AA: Dr. Robert Smith (Dr. Bob) and Bill Wilson (Bill W.). These men certainly were not perfect, but God has used their program to transform many lives and has, more importantly, been the entrance into a relationship with Jesus Christ. These men, even though close friends and 'co-founders' of AA, had different journeys post-sobriety. Dr. Bob and the 'Midwest' group stayed conservative and the Bible was openly discussed and utilized. Bill Wilson, on the other hand, aligned himself with the group from the East (centered in New York City)...and, in my opinion, was much more liberal and seemed to deviate from many of the Biblical roots of the program.

My readings during the past 5 years have included numerous biographies (of Bill Wilson, Lois Wilson & Ebby Thacher), histories (such as, Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers), letters from Bill Wilson (to his 'sponsor', Father Dowling) and books by Dick B. on the spiritual history of the program. I have 'discovered' many facts concerning AA that are astounding ... some of these are included below:

DID YOU KNOW ... ?

• Dr. Bob was always positive about his faith. If someone asked him a question about the program, his usual response was: "What does it say in the Good Book?"
• The lady that facilitated the meeting between Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson was Henrietta Seiberling, daughter-in-law of Frank A. Seiberling, founder and first president of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. She, too, was a very strong Christian and member of the Oxford Group.
• Bill Wilson declared early on in his recovery that "...the Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease...". He gave God the full credit for his deliverance.
• I read in one biography that Bill Wilson, after his 'experience with God', would take the Bible into hospitals to meet with alcoholics. He attempted to 'witness' about God's power to deliver from alcohol. He would openly speak at the Oxford Group meetings (a movement devoted to restoring 1st century Christianity), testifying to his deliverance through an encounter with God.
• Dr. Silkworth, famous for writing the 'Doctor's Opinion' in the Big Book of AA, was also a very strong Christian. He declared that the hope of the alcoholic depended on healing by Jesus Christ.
• Bill Wilson struggled for years (maybe his entire life) with specific doctrines of Christianity. He stated belief in the resurrection and return of Christ and miracles...but struggled with the divinity of Jesus. In addition, he got heavily involved in 'spiritism'. Apparently, he had significant confusion after his initial experiences in the early years of AA.
• And finally, one specific AA group wrote to C.S. Lewis (see above picture) regarding Bill Wilson's involvement in spiritism. He wrote back to the group, stating: "This is necromancy...Have nothing to do with it." They had hoped advise from a respected and influential Christian would have an impact on his practice.

You can not help but 'encounter' Christianity when studying the history of AA. I'm not saying that the organization is 'Christ-based'...but the historical roots are certainly grounded in authentic spiritual experiences, understood to be consistent with revelations in the Bible. I believe it is important for us to know the truth about the program's development and early success. Most consistently, and lead by Dr. Bob, complete surrender to the TRUE GOD was deemed the only path to sobriety. In my opinion...this real solution to transformation has not changed.

Lane

Spiritual Roots of Recovery: Part I

During the past 5 years, I have attended 'traditional AA meetings', meetings in secular treatment centers, meetings in a Christian Rehab and the 'newer' Christian 12 step programs. I have been to meetings in several states...and certainly appreciate the continuity of the core recovery message. In some ways, the 'definite purpose' of Alcoholics Anonymous is refreshing when compared to watching Christian television or attending some Churches. For instance, we know in an AA there is only one requirement: a desire to quit drinking. We also talk often about God, His Power and the surrender to His Will.

However, you also hear words such as "god as you understood him". For me, as a Christian, this would appear to be idolatry and foreign to the God of the Bible and the Person of Jesus Christ. However, I believe there is evidence these words 'added' in two of the 12 steps of AA (after much debate) were not meant to distance the movement from the God of the Bible. This is quite controversial, but I think a reading of AA's history testifies to this fact.

I will be exploring in the next few posts some significant facts concerning the 'Spiritual Roots of Recovery' -- not to create more controversy but to explore the truth. For instance, I included a picture of Dr. Bob's house in this post where Bill Wilson stayed with Anne and Dr. Bob during the first 3 months of his sobriety -- and a spiritual formation was initiated that would 'carry over' to the early AA meetings. The following quote from Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers (pg. 71) notes the early beginnings of Bill and Dr. Bob's sobriety:

Each morning, there was a devotion, he recalled (Bill Wilson). After a long silence, in which they awaited inspiration and guidance, Anne would read from the Bible. "James was our favorite," he said. "Reading from her chair in the corner, she would softly conclude, 'Faith without works is dead.'" This was a favorite quotation of Anne's, much as the Book of James was a favorite with early AA's...

Reading for the first time information contained in this book (and others), I was astounded. I also began to realize that this 'path of recovery' was not only consistent with my Christian faith, but the 12 Steps were merely the program of action that helps me maintain a consistent spiritual life. Also, I discovered that the early success rate of AA far exceeded 50% ... because, I believe, the focus was on the TRUE GOD and HIS POWER to transform. In fact, the early program stressed initial surrender to God-- and if the 'newcomer' would not bow down take this essential step he would be 'sent back out' for more pain. They quickly came to realize that desperation and a 'willingness to do whatever it took' were the keys to successful recovery. What would happen today if we stressed the necessity of surrender to God? I believe it could radically alter our recovery 'ministry' (and our Churches!). More to come...

Lane

Radical Accountability ... Pt. 3

The words to the left represent Peter's final recorded sentences...and reveal something of his heart at the end of his life. As we follow Peter through to the end in his 2nd letter, I believe we learn something also about radical accountability and submission. During the past two posts, I looked at how first Paul submitted to Peter...and then how he openly addressed Peter publicly for an error in doctrine that revealed persistent character flaws. Now, finally, we have some powerful words written by Peter on behalf of Paul:

2 Peter 3: 14-18 Therefore, beloved,... be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

Think about it...here was a man that had once been the 'leader' of the newly formed Church, but now the 'newcomer' had taken over his position-- and he wasn't even in the original 12! Not to mention, this 'up and coming' man had publicly humiliated him in front of other leaders! However...in a statement reflecting humility and submission, Peter testified to the revelation that Paul had received and places him in an elevated position. It seems to me that Peter finally 'got it'. In fact, he now, in 2 Peter, identifies himself as a 'servant first' before noting his Apostolic office. He had been 'promoted' to servanthood...no longer needing the approval of men and so confident in this 'low position' that he seemed very comfortable acknowledging the 'success' of others. I believe it also shows us that Peter had learned to submit and become accountable to leadership... no longer needing 'first position'. If this man who spent years with Jesus can submit to leadership and stay accountable for his actions ... shouldn't I follow his example?

Lane

Radical Accountability ... Pt. 2

Paul Opposes Peter (Galatians 2: 11-14)

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Think about it...Peter was a man that was directly mentored by Jesus for 3 years, was taught by Him post-resurrection and received the Power of the Holy Spirit as promised. This Power dramatically altered Peter's life as he proclaimed the gospel and was a leader in the newly formed Church. However --Peter was still dealing with a primary character flaw: fear of man or fear of rejection. It was the same flaw that we saw earlier in his 'infamous' denial of Christ. Jesus exposed him prior to the Cross...and Paul was addressing the same core issue some 15 years later! In spite of Peter's incredible revelation and anointing, he still needed to be directly confronted and held accountable for his destructive actions. Note what Paul did -- he exposed Peter in front of all the others! In other words, he told Peter what he needed to hear...not what he wanted to hear. Peter's actions had a negative impact on others, and, more importantly, the GOSPEL. His behaviors could not go without exposure and correction. This was a dramatic and radical approach...but was in the best interest of the Gospel and the best interest of Peter. In spite of the anointing, Peter needed another person to expose his character flaws so that he could fully develop into the image of Christ.

Probably one of the most significant changes in my life during the past 5 years has been consistently accountability. God has graciously placed specific men in my life that provide a level of scrutiny and openness that I had never experienced. And their words are often painful as the truth is revealed and 'blind spots' are exposed. To some people, this sounds like such a burden...for me, it is a since of freedom never experienced. This has truly been a gift of recovery.

Lane

Radical Accountability ... Pt. 1

It is probably just a poor memory and a 'narrow perspective', but I do not ever remember hearing a sermon, discussion or teaching in Church on the kind of radical accountability (and submission) required in 12-step recovery. However, it is NOT foreign to Scripture, as confirmed by the actions of Paul described in Galatians 2:1-2:

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem... I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the GOSPEL that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. (ESV)

As we read further...Paul was discussing specifics of his ministry with eyewitnesses and students of the Gospel preached by Jesus, Himself: James, Peter and John. (Oh yes, we need to keep in mind that James was the brother of Jesus and a former skeptic before the resurrection!) Now...think about it... here was a man that had direct revelation from Christ and had invested 14 years in spiritual formation and deep doctrinal and theological study (Paul was a brilliant Old Testament scholar) -- and yet, he didn't quite trust himself and wanted to confirm the specific message that he believed Christ had revealed to him!

Is it not arrogant of me, therefore, to declare God's direction in my life and what I believe to be revelation ... without 'checking in' with mature men who are also walking out this journey? How many times in my past did I make immature and irresponsible decisions based on what I thought to be a 'clear word from God' because it 'felt so right'? I am so grateful today for my TRUE friends that can tell me 'what I need to hear' versus 'what I want to hear'. I have learned during the past 5 years that spiritual strength is directly proportional to honesty, transparency and a 'willingness to be exposed'.

Lane

Knowing Christ as Crucified

This is an excellent book by Alister McGrath that I read a while back...it is a book about 'falling in love' with Jesus and making Him the center of our existence. In the chapter Knowing Christ as Crucifed, he writes the following powerful and convicting words:

Knowing Christ crucified is one of the most astonishing privileges that we can hope to have. But we want to have it cheaply, on our own safe terms. Our old unredeemed natures fight a rearguard action, desperately trying to stop us from entering unto the full and intimate relationship with Christ that will ultimately crucify and destroy them. A superficial knowledge of Christ allows our old nature to continue its existence, untroubled by the disturbing presence of Christ in our lives. It has often been said that the most characteristic effect of sin is delusion -- the creating of the impression that all is well in our lives, and that no further action needs to be taken. This lie is exposed by the cross, which demands that we both appreciate its significance and apply it to our hearts.

God, please lift my 'blinded delusion' and expose everything that separates me from You...my life depends on it...


Lane

The Power to Change, pt. 2

"Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power -- that One is God. May you find Him now! Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." (Bill Wilson, AA pg. 59)

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Paul, Gal. 2:20)

When I first read the words above by Bill Wilson some 5 years ago, I was struck by the similarities to the necessary abandonment of our lives to Christ expressed in the New Testament. Within myself, I have 'no power to change', but need His power -- the power of the Gospel -- at work in my life. Paul describes His work in us as a 'mystery' and the 'hope of glory' (Col. 1:27). Think about it, the Creator of the universe resides in us through His Spirit when we reach the 'turning point' and 'abandon' ourselves to His care. Power through surrender ... strength in humility ... life through death. These will always be the true words of the gospel and the essential 'remedy' for our destructive lives.

Paul confirms the Gospel's power to change in Colossians 1:6, "This same Good News (the Gospel) that came to you is going out all over the world, It is changing lives everywhere just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God's great kindness to sinners." (NLV)

Lane

The Power to Change, pt. 1

"Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?"(Bill Wilson, AA, pg.45)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the Power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." (Words of Paul, Romans 1:16)

I believe the text of Alcoholics Anonymous states our common dilemma, whether we suffer from addiction or 'merely' the destruction of sin. Where can we find this power? Paul gives us the simple, yet profound answer: The gospel of Jesus Christ provides us the power for salvation. If this is true, just what is the gospel of Christ?

In the earliest documents that we have describing Christianity, the gospel was understood to be "Christ dying for us" and "His resurrection from the dead" (see 1 Thes. 1:9-10 and 5:9-10). Jesus became the deliverer and the source of salvation. Paul later states in Colossians that "...God purposed that through Him, all things should be completly reconciled back to Himself...as through Him, (the Father) made peace by means of the blood of His cross." (Col. 1:20, AMP).

So, how do we 'access' the power to change? By abandoning our lives to God through 'faith' in the gospel of Jesus Christ -- not simply belief, but '...the leaning of your entire personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness' (AMP expansion of Col. 1:4). Even though I was a Christian for some 20 years, it took the ravages of addiction for me to finally grasp all that He has done on the Cross - and the necessity of dependence of Him daily. I NEED a power greater than myself -- I NEED the power of the gospel.

Lane

Recovery and Theology

It is so interesting to me that traditional '12-Step Recovery' is about our relationship to God and dependence on His power for our daily deliverance. I discovered this fact while in a 'secular' treatment center paid for by my insurance company! We do, however, hear many opinions concerning the knowledge of God and spirituality in both recovery settings and from society in general.

On page 53 of the Big Book of AA, a stunning statement is made that sounds almost 'Biblical' and stimulates an individual in recovery to radically alter his or her entire life: "... either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is, or He isn't." This is a powerful statement from a supposedly secular work...and sounds very familiar to Paul's words in Philippians 3:8, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

For these reasons, I believe a life of studying theology is well worth our time and should be a natural progression if we recognize either (or both) statements above as true. As a reminder, this somewhat intimidating word has the following meaning:

Theology (from the Greek theos - God - and logos - word or reason) is reasoned discourse concerning God. More specifically, Christian theology is the rational study and understanding of the nature of God and doctrines of the Christian faith based on God's revelation of Himself, chiefly found in the Bible. (Theopedia)

Not only am I dependent on my relationship with God ... but I also need correct thoughts concerning God. These are not mutually exclusive! Help me Lord to know You and to think about You in a way that is honorable and not full of opinions. Help me to seek those works that both cultivate Your genuine Presence and informs my thoughts authentically...

Lane

Reconciliation, redemption and recovery... Pt. 2

To expand on the theme from my last post, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary defines 'reconcilation' as follows:

Reconciliation has to do with the relationships between God and man or man and man. God reconciles the world to himself (2 Cor 5:18). Reconciliation takes place through the cross of Christ or the death of Christ. Second Corinthians 5:18 says that "God … reconciled us to himself through Christ." God reconciles us to himself through the death of his Son (Rom 5:1). Thus, we are no longer enemies, ungodly, sinners, or powerless. Instead, the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom he has given to us (Rom 5:5). It is a change in the total state of our lives.

What a powerful concept...God took the initiative in reconciling our relationship to Him through the cross of Christ. We are no longer 'powerless' once we surrender to Christ and our relationship with God is restored (or recovered...). It is, as Baker defines, a change in the total state of our lives. The spiritual experience of a life surrendered to Christ is the foundation of recovery...and grants us both peace with God and the power to overcome in this present life. As Step 2 tells me: I NEED a POWER greater than myself to restore me to sanity. What is so astounding is the fact that this power of Christ came as a result of humility and His submission to the will of the Father. I must remember that power to change only comes to any of us through the same attitude -- which is never 'cocky', 'self-assured' or 'arrogant'. It is HIS power...and HIS power alone that can accomplish the 'deep' work of recovery.

Lane