We have recently welcomed several new AA groups to the use of our
facilities. I attended one of the new groups and also an Al-Anon
group that had been with us a long time.
In attending the meetings, I realized again how much I like the
understanding of these 12-step groups. They recognize that they are
powerless over their addiction, (sounds like a Lutheran confession of
being "in bondage to sin") they recognize a higher power to whom they
turn over all of their needs and weaknesses.
But today I have been thinking about the 12th step, which is helping
others as you have been helped. People keep going to meetings long
after they are past the first temptations. Sure, they say it is one
day at a time. I have however known alcoholics who are 30-year-sober
but still attend meetings on a regular basis, not for their own sake
but for the sake of others. They make themselves vulnerable every day
or every week for the sake of another and they tell their stories and
they listen.
I wish we always had such generous spirits in our churches. When we
are feeling strong we sleep in and say, "I don't need a church to be
Christian." And when we do go to church it is for our own sake, and
someone better not sit in our pew or disrupt the experience with noisy
kids or problems.
I have long told people who feel no need to go to church that it is
precisely when we are strong that we need to go to church for the sake
of someone there who needs us to be there. Maybe just a smile or a
presence, or a strong, sure voice reciting the creed. Or maybe it is
to support the pastor and laugh at her pitiful jokes and help her by
our presence to be strong for others.
If we saw church for what it really is, sinners anonymous, we would
show up every week and honestly tell of our struggles and help the
next person up. And be there to share the precious gift of the body
and blood of our Lord who comes each week to forgive us and strengthen
us so that we can be there for those who need us.
Lord, use our weakness for others and help us to
show up every week for others as you constantly show up for us. Amen
