This week at church we had a guest (Bob) who is a pastor at a new church plant for those recovering from alcohol and substances. Naturally, this lead to a whole stream of thoughts:

Now, of course, I can see the practical benefits of bringing those with similar struggles together, for encouragement and accountability. But, I can't help but think that those of us without alcohol or drug addiction history don't realize this type of thing as a reality for our own church life. Don't get me wrong, I hear people say they are big sinners all the time. But, it is rare to hear someone say, "I covet", "I lust", "I worship myself and my career" or "I don't forgive people unless they warrant it". I am Jack's selfrighteous passive aggression.

What a great benefit it must be to be able to enter into an AA church community where "I am an alcoholic" is the first part of the confession.