GROWING IN MATURITY

Those of us who have come from an unmanageable lifestyle and have chosen a recovery program with scheduled community gatherings may find this change in our lifestyle intimidating.  We are unfamiliar with meeting procedures and some of the words we hear sound like they are from another language.  Everything is different from what we have known and we feel immature and imperfect as we compare ourselves with these people who want to help us.  What are we to do?

Have two goals: wisdom—that is, knowing and doing right—and common sense.  Don’t let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy and bring you honor and respect. (Proverbs 3:21-22 TLB)

Those who’ve been in recovery for a while have had had to grow through many phases of unknowns.  We also were unfamiliar with the ways of God, but we soon learned that we could grow as we humbled ourselves and asked questions.  A flower will grow from a planted seed when it is watered and fed.  We will grow mature in the ways of God and recovery practices as we are watered and fed from the Scriptures and by those around us who are willing to answer questions and share their experience, strength, and hope with us.

Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. (Hebrews 5:14 NLT)

As we grow in our recovery and become knowledgeable of what is evil and what is morally excellent, we may be shocked to learn that some of the approved ways of our culture are different from the ways of God. Having had a spiritual awakening, we have come to know that God’s ways are higher than our ways and will actually lead us along a path of life that is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. (Psalm 119:34 NLT)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please help me to be willing to ask questions when I feel overwhelmed by all that is new to me in recovery. Give me the will and desire to mature in my understanding of the Scriptures and the wisdom and power to do what You say.  Amen