You clean the outside of the cup… but inside… self-indulgence (II)

Since, since God will not force change on us, and there can be no self-indulgence in heaven, and then it only makes sense that heaven is for those who are willing to cooperate with God in being changed. In particular, more is needed than being clean on “the outside of the cup” (see Matthew 5:20)! Of course, as the Scriptures tell us, those will still be saved who have Jesus as their sure foundation. We are however warned to take care how we build on that foundation be it with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and stubble. There is Grace, of course, because it is often two steps forward and one step back, but on that day, all our work will be tested by fire, and of course wood, hay and stubble burn! And yes, those will still be saved who are only building wood, hay and stubble. They will however only be saved “as through fire,” and will loose their reward. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)!

Paul admonishes us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This Paul tells us, is the only reasonable response to the tender mercies of God (Romans 12:1, 2 NKJV). I keep talking about the genius of twelve-step programs, and that it is not just for those with substance abuse. Rather it is for all who have baggage, all who have issues. And whether we admit it or not, we all have issues, and we all operate out of them. If we don’t deal with our issues, we are at best, simply cleansing the outside of the cup. The Lord however, requires truth in the inwards parts (Psalm 51:6). I am secure if I have Jesus as my sure foundation, but I will have neither the abundant life, nor the more of “more than conquerors” if I do not deal with my issues.

Now whether it is within a formal twelve-step-program or not, working Biblically based twelve-step principles is a way to deal systematically, with our issues. It is also, I believe, a way to accelerate our inner transformation and to bring us progressively into fullness of life. On the other hand, the anonymity and confidentiality of healthy twelve-step community, make it a safe place to be open and vulnerable. This is Kingdom work (James 5:16)! I have a vision to combine in the Church, the same openness and vulnerability I see in some of the secular groups, with all the resources that are available when Jesus is the higher power. There are so many advantages to this. These include the availability of all the principles of the Word of God, the exceedingly great and precious promises of His Word, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 1:19).

Father, I thank You this morning for the various Christ centred recovery ministries that more and more are available to the body of Christ. In particular I thank You for the growing world wide ministry of the Christ centred twelve-step program “Celebrate Recovery.” Please enable these things more and more in the church, and bring us out of the denial that we don’t need to deal with our issues. Certainly, all our sins are covered at Calvary, but healing comes as we confess, especially our secret sins, to one another (James 5:16). Lord, the words of John Arnott keep coming back to me that revivals end because the leaders do not have their hearts healed. Only You can make the needed changes Lord, and I ask You once again to do just that, in Jesus Name Amen