In Recovery

This is something I have been mulling over in my mind since we saw Todd Agnew in concert at our church. During a break in songs, he was sharing about the ministry that he has with his wife--a recovery ministry for those who have an issue with alcohol.

When we use the word 'recovery'--we tend to think of certain kinds of behavior. Drugs, alcohol being a few of the "biggies" that come to mind. But that is where our thinking and God's way of thinking part ways--God doesn't rank sins, like not so bad, bad, really bad, etc.

For the most part, I know that God looks at all sins the same. He is perfect and we are not, and in that, an insurmountable chasm is created between us. But even though I know that in my head--sometimes I catch myself being prideful in my thoughts.

Everybody as issues, make that sin issues, that separate us from God. My sins of judging others, pride, overeating and disobedience in big and little things is no different from those of the drug addict or prostitute on the street corner.

Which brings me back to the point that Todd Agnew made--we are all in recovery. That is, we are if we recognize our sin and desire to turn and change our ways. My neighbor might be in recovery for an alcohol dependence, but I am in recovery for prideful thinking--and also for disobedience when I hear God telling me what I need to do, and I willfully and stubbornly refusing to obey.

Mark and I were talking about this as we were watching a Brewers game on TV tonight. This is what we asked ourselves--When is someone in recovery? (We decided it is when someone recognizes that a sin is destroying their lives and decides to turn from it.) And what exactly is being recovered? (Maybe LIFE--since all sin leads to death and destroys.) If any of you have any thoughts on these questions, I would love to hear them!

While in recovery, we need to rely on God to change us and lean on others for support and encouragement. Recognizing the area in our life that needs recovering is the first step.

So how can I judge someone else's sin--maybe thinking that they are farther away from God than I am? I can't--only God knows our heart, and we are all in recovery.