“Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving orders, you’re really serving God…” Galatians 6:7-8 (MSG)
Whether you are pursuing your career or pursuing recovery, I think it’s safe to say you will get out of it what you put into it. There have been times when I’ve poured my heart and soul into something and there have been times when I have just tried to get by. I bet it’s not hard to figure out what works best.
Years ago there was a time I wanted to change my vocation, leave nursing and start a career that could earn me some real money. I went ahead and started my new career, but continued with nursing until I could get my feet on the ground. But something went dreadfully wrong. As I started my new job I felt so out of place, I struggled and was confused. I was talking to my wife about it one day and she gave me a response that cut right to my heart. Nan told me that instead of trying to do what I wanted to do, why not ask God what he wants you to do. I knew instantly when I heard those words that Nan was right. The reason I struggled was because my giftedness wasn’t in sales, it was in service to the needy, the sick and injured. I had not accepted God’s gift for me, I had taken it for granted. I started to understand that everything I do should be God focused; I went back to nursing with a new passion and purpose; to give every patient the very best care I could.
In recovery we can get off track in many ways. Relapse is a serious condition that can derail us from being all we can be in Christ and with others. I agree with CR founder Pastor John Baker–Complacency leads to confusion, which leads to compromise, which leads to catastrophe. I’ve seen it happen over and over again, in AA and CR, and I have been caught in relapse as well. Not in terms of relapsing back into my core addictions, but becoming complacent in my recovery to the point of compromising, rationalizing and justifying my inappropriate behavior.
For me it starts with a spiritual relapse, which leads to an emotional relapse. If I stay in that state long enough I could go back out drinking and drugging and dying. I praise God that I have not had to experience that last part of relapse, the catastrophe. You can stop relapse in its early stages. How? Stay close to God and people, stay diligent in working the 12 steps, and find a good church home. Recognize you are not perfect (you are not God); you will have minor relapses, but also know that you can get back on track way before the catastrophe. You do have control over your actions and your attitude. Emotional sobriety takes time, keep working at it in step 10 and 11, and then make sure you give it all away in step 12.
Question: What are some of the tools you have developed in your recovery to prevent relapse?
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16
Love God, love people, Jesus first!
Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads
Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar
April 30-May 6, 2018
Friday, May 4: Lesson Night
- 6pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for dinner and fellowship.
- 7pm: Join us for an hour of worship and a message on step 8, “Amends.”
- 8pm: Open Share Groups.
- 9pm: Sold Rock Café.
Announcements:
- A new Men’s Chemical Addiction 12-Step Group has started and meets every Monday from 6:30-8pm in the Crossroads Loveland in Room 138. For more details, contact [email protected].
- A new Men’s Mixed Issue 12-Step Group has started and meets every Monday from 6:30-8pm in the Crossroads Loveland Conference Room. For more details, contact [email protected].
