Every time my parents boast to me of the 'diverse' congregation at their church, I can't help but get a little irked. It seems like every Sunday brings yet another recovering addict, and they tell me that approximately a third of the church is made up of "those people" who were once alcoholics, drug addicts, convicts, etc. My sweet mom and dad rejoice in enthusiasm with each person who chooses our church to help distance themselves from their despicable past, and rightly so-there is nothing more beautiful than helping someone find redemption in Christ's blood. What I really have a hard time with however, is the line we draw between ourselves and others according to our past and current struggles. Who is to say one sin is necessarily "worse" than another? The fact is, every single member of that congregation, as well people everywhere-Christians and non-Christians alike-are recovering addicts. Because of this flesh that makes up our body, we are all addicted to sin. Granted, some sins may cause more drastic or immediate consequences, but either way it is not in our authority to deem our sins and struggles as better or worse than someone else's. It is hard for me to practically relate this concept to something in everyday life as I can't think of anything i have necessarily been addicted to..but it is a plain and simple fact that sin is an addiction of mankind. Temptation lures us in time and time again and we easily fall back into the vicious cycle of addiction.
The beautiful thing is, we simply need to make the decision to start down the path of recovery and Christ is there with open arms to help make us whole again. Luke 15:32 "But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
And you know what else? We are all in this together-each and everyone of us is striving to recover from whatever sins we are addicted to. Chances are we will slip up, which is why we are still labeled as recovering, not recovered. Knowing that we are all going through the same ..we need stop the judgment and learn to love.
1 comment:
i love love love you. Sorry i havent been on here in a while but im happy i got on today because your blogs always bring me joy :)
I agree with everything. You and i both know what its like to be around people who pretty much display the perfect example of the judgemental christian and the scary part is when i start seeing it in myself. So it was nice to have this reminder. And also with the whole recovering addict thing, its so true! i seriously think everyone should read the 12 steps and everything else that goes along with the AA stuff because as i was reading all of those things i was amazed at how much of it is applicable to EVERYONE and how its really just about avoiding temptation from anything not just substances. Im guessing part of that is because AA was started by christians but ANYWAY i am so sorry i havent talked to you in a while brit. I have been making some stupid choices lately and i really didnt feel like having to tell you about it but knew i would as soon as i started talking to you. I have just been needing to make some big changes lately and i have been to scared to do it and probably should have been talking to you about it and more importantly Jesus but i have just been stupid.
I am SO excited about you moving up here shortly and being able to be around you more. I serioulsly have been getting so far away from where i know i should be lately and you have always been someone to help me with that and i am so happy i at least have this to get to read your writing and then at least talk to you on here if nothing else and i am probably gonna do it more often because honestly who reads this other than like you and nate ha
but anyway i just love you, and am really so proud of you lately. Whether you realize it or not you have matured so much in the past year, not that you werent mature before or something but i am just so impressed with your growth in your walk with Christ and just how well you have done with kinda getting out into the world and out of our little sc bubble. Anyway just thought id mention that and also shoot a little thankyou up to our savior for what he is doing through you and for blessing me so much lately by getting to see him work in you.
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