Carrying the Message

Editorial Perspective

I As another year begins, it is a privilege to share some of the blessings and tools of recovery through the Journey to Life newsletter. Some of the best tools for carrying the message concerning recovery from “harmful habits and addictive behaviors,” are those which have proved useful in the lives of many who have experienced the acceptance and encouragement of others in the recovery community.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in “The Road to Recovery 2013…Discussion Guide,” the role for people in recovery is multi-faceted and unique. “The recovery community plays an instrumental role in other people’s recovery journeys and has a unique opportunity to educate individuals with a mental health and/or substance use disorder about the different treatment approaches available, the effectiveness of treatment, available recovery support services, and how to sustain long-term recovery.”

Carol Cannon, co-founder of The Bridge to Recovery, refers to the Twelve Step recovery process as a “remedial program of character development.” Is it possible that God intends that the best tools of this program be you and me, who with Christ, as “the Power greater,” can remove our character defects?

I am reminded of the following conditional promise concerning Christ’s return. “When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ Object Lesson, page 69. The words that precede this hopeful statement quote Galatians 5:22, 23. The fruit of the Spirit in this text are “love, joy, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (self-control). This is the fruit we and others need to be ready for the return of Christ.

Can we use the “tools” of recovery to develop Christ-like character in our lives and support others with the fruit of the Spirit? My vision for Adventist Recovery Ministries is that it will provide clear principles and practices to effectively fulfill this role.

One final word as I conclude this editorial. We am grateful and thankful for the work of David Sedlacek, who has faithfully worked with the North American Adventist Recovery Ministries Director, Katia Reinert, these past two years as editor of this Journey to Life newsletter. As I now accept the responsibilities as editor, your prayers and contributions on behalf of this publication will serve those who can benefit from this Christ-centered ministry.