Last post, I began a discussion on what I termed Sinners Anonymous: 12 Step Christianity. The idea is based off of the 12 step model first developed for Alcoholics Anonymous. For the addict going to a 12 step meeting they have to admit that they have a problem and need help. They have to realize that the word is out, they are not able to hide their addiction any longer, and they are ready to do something about it.
“Addiction can be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it.” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction) For each of us sin is an addiction. Despite the negative consequences we continue to sin. We opt for momentary pleasure even though it leads to long term destruction. Just as the alcoholic is always “one drink away” we too are just “one sin away”. We are one sin away from slipping back into a lifestyle of heartbreak, destruction, and/or negative consequences. Daily we must “work the steps” in order that we may live the forgiven life, a life of victory. In a 12 step program, you can not pick and choose which steps you will work on, you must start with step one and once completed move to step two, etc.
”We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable” (Step 1). Another way to put it “We admit we are powerless over the effect of our separation from God that our lives have become unmanageable.” (www.theroadtoemmaus.org/RdLb/31JdXn/Christnty/SpLf/Xn12Stps.htm). As humans we are sinners and our addiction to sin is unmanageable, that is why God sent Christ as our Savior. Sin is too big of problem to handle on our own, we need Christ and we need each other. Christ offers us salvation and we love and support one another in community as we strive to rise above our sinfulness.
“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” (Step 2) As sin addicts we must realize not only that our lives are unmanageable when it come to sin, but we must realize that there is a God who is sovereign and who possesses the power to restore us to a life of “sanity”. A life that is free from worries, guilt, feelings of unworthiness, etc. The apostle Paul had an understanding of this when he wrote to the church in Corinth regarding his “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul writes “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (Verses 8-9) We may never be free from the pull of sin, but through God we can tap into His power to overcome the sin condition in our lives. It is a power that is limitless and is always available for us. We are weak and unable to overcome sin by ourselves. We are continually in need of the power of God’s forgiveness in order restore our lives to sanity. This sanity can only come from a loving God and a relationship with him through Jesus Christ.
As I attempt to live out Sinners Anonymous in my life, I realize that it is so very difficult. It is neither an easy task nor an easy row to hoe. The world we live in continually reinforces the notion that we are in control of our own lives and that alone we can take charge of our lives and that if it feels good it must be good. False messages that keep us enslaved to our sin, living lives that become unmanageable and lacking the sanity we long for. Today we can admit that only through Christ can we live manageable lives of sanity. Today is the day in our weakness that we tap into God’s eternal, limitless power of grace.
