Based on Matthew 28:19-20
Is something hurting you? Do you have a habit that is addictive or otherwise causes problems for your life and those around you?
Are you living a life worth dying for?
Hundreds of people in the church and community are struggling with addictions. One does not have to know a person’s complete life story to come to that conclusion. The addictions of sex, money, work, power, alcohol, drugs, gambling, relationships, control and many other things have caught families and friends by surprise.
Statistics say that we are all addicted to something.
Churches in various communities have taken on the responsibility of a recovery ministry by opening their doors to others who are in need. These churches provide a place for recovery support groups to meet regularly, discreetly and safely.
But what support is provided to the one we sit next to on the pew on Sunday mornings? Many of these people are categorized as Christians, and they don’t want to admit that they have a problem. And who is reaching out to our family members and friends who are looking for help, but choose not to come to church because of shame, guilt and fear? The reality is they will not “seek;” they must be “sought.”
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is one of those churches that provides a place for recovery support groups to meet. But we decided to take it a step further and conduct a sermon series on the 12 Step Program. During the initial services, two people who once struggled with alcohol and drug addictions shared their stories. Each talked about how God changed her life through recovery. And now each feels the calling to share her story of overcoming in the hope of helping others. It is through the love each found in Jesus Christ, they are now living a life worth dying for.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus shares the best way of living a life worth dying for; an area where we as Christians often feel challenged.
Here Jesus was speaking to his disciples, and is now speaking to us. “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
As a result of this 12 Step sermon series, I am convinced that God is calling us to task today, louder than ever, to show others the way.
God is also about reshaping congregations into a fellowship that is both safe and helpful to family members and friends in recovery. If a person’s heart goes through a spiritual recovery, the rest will follow. Therefore, recovery must be at the heart of the local church.
People are searching for a church that is alive and authentic, where they can experience the life-changing presence of God in the presence of others. A church that is designed to offer true worship that connects people to God with eager and spiritual expectancy. God is not interested in “what we do,” but “who we are.” If we are obedient to the commands of Jesus, everyone has a chance of living a life worth dying for.
Dr. Marion J. Miller is the pastor of Later @ St. Luke’s, an inclusive 6 p.m. worship gathering located at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86h St. She may be contacted at (317) 846-3404 or millerm@stlukesumc.com.
