Seedtime and harvest

[jerry ralph]

“Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy.” RALPH WALDO EMERSON

“Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.” (Galatians 6:7-10 NLT)

One thing that is sad about being involved in the programs of AA and NA is the fact that several times a year there is news of someone slipping into eternity in the grips of their addiction. Maybe some of the reason it is so sad is that living in a rural area made up of several small communities, it seems so personal. Even though being anonymous is the spiritual foundation of AA and NA (because it makes us all equal), when newcomers come into the program we often know who they are and possibly know many of their family members. We don’t share this with outsiders and respect their anonymity, but many times we can’t help but know their personal situation. The words of the apostle Paul ring true in life and especially in recovery from alcoholism and addictions, “You will always reap what you sow.” Many come around the tables of AA and NA full of hope for a new life, but when they find that there is sacrifice, soul searching, hard work, and service to others involved, they who are not willing to “live to please the Spirit” soon tire. They become “tired of doing what is good, become discouraged and give up.” Many return to their addictions and living a life of satisfying their self-centered desires. As they reach another low point in their lives they return to the tables of AA and NA. I have seen these cycles go on for years, I myself first came to AA in 1974 and 25 years later I received a one-year medallion. I speak from experience. It is only by the grace of God that I am here today. It is so sad when I see people try and try again, only to go back out and die. I ask myself why could they not get it? The Word of God teaches many things, and seedtime and harvest are woven through the printed pages. Today may I be grateful that God allowed me many chances, and may I never tire from carrying the message of recovery through the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. God did for me what I could not do for myself…………………….JRE

“So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn’t think so. Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us! God makes that possible. And there often seems no way to entirely getting rid of self without His aid. Many of us had moral and philosophical convictions galore, but we could not live up to them even through we would have liked to. Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God’s help.”
Alcoholics Anonymous page 62

 

[Protinus]

Recidivism is quite high in alcoholism. I believe the 12 step programs offer so much hope (as you indicate) and fellowship that is missing in many lives. The mettings, the meetings after the meetings, help so much. There is always constant hope and it is undestandable from the amount of experience that you have with this problem to become frustrated. I actually think it is important to hear your frustration, AA is not a magic bullet, but add constant vigilance with our Lord, rely more on others, and serve others through faith and good deeds...there is an outstanding chance for recovery!!!