Not As I Would Have It

The full version of the Serenity Prayer said at most recovery gatherings contains the words, “Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it”.  Jesus left heaven where He was known, affirmed, and praised, and came to earth in human flesh to save the world from the power of sin.  His environment here was certainly not as He would have it.  Jesus was despised and rejected by those who ought to have known who He was.  To protect their status and way of living, these people bore false witness against Jesus and handed Him over to be mocked, tortured, and killed by oppressive rulers. 

Even though Jesus suffered many things, He chose not to judge the people who treated Him harshly.  He knew everyone was in bondage – not just those suffering from addiction – and He had come to set them free.  How do we respond to those who are rude to us and do not treat us kindly?  Do we see them, as Jesus does, as people God loves who have not yet been set free? 

This world may not be as we would like it and people may not treat us as we think they should but we can make it better by telling others – “normies” as well as fellow addicts – about Jesus, His love for them, and His power and willingness to set them free, just like He did for us.  

Next time we pray the Serenity Prayer, let’s truly desire to be more like Jesus in the way we respond to others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to be like You and take this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.  Help me to accept the things I cannot change and please give me the courage to change the things I can.  Amen

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