A Happy Healthy Church: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

ACCOUNTABILITY: ACCEPT HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

I'm always amazed at how applicable the core principles of A.A. are for a variety of life problems beyond just alcoholism. A.A. counselors often have to work very hard to get people to take the first step and to admit that they have severe problems. Sometimes major interventions are needed.

Another core principle is this: an alcoholic cannot turn his own life around but needs help. That's a hard one for me to learn. When I'm struggling, I'm often too proud to accept help. Maybe you've thought, "Nah, I'll just keep going a little while longer; I'll be fine. I can take this; this ain't nothing. I've been through worse."

The Bible says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20). I'll tell you this: in my own life I have already been straightened out a number of times. Fortunately, God made me listen to what brothers and sisters had to say, and they got my brain back on a better track. But I'm not done yet. I need you--not only to pray for me but to keep me on the right path. I also need you to have a humble spirit and to be willing to let the people around you tell you a thing or two as well.

Your family and your church are a God-designed buddy system to keep you on his path.