Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“[M]aking the most of the time…. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, September 19, 2022
by Daniel D. Maurer Clergy Stuff
I am a person living in long-term recovery from addiction. What this means to me is that, for over eight years now, I have not touched a drop of alcohol. When I was serving in western North Dakota as an ordained pastor, I struggled with depression and addiction. Although I would not trade the experience I gained in going to treatment (three separate times!), I deeply regret all the time I wasted in seeking oblivion.
Addiction continues to inflict pain and destroy relationships throughout the world. The stigma behind it prevents people struggling with alcohol or drugs from seeking the help they desperately need. As long as addiction remains firmly entrenched in the concept of moral failure instead of a real, treatable illness, people hurting themselves and their families will prolong their suffering.
As a community of believers following the example of Jesus, God calls us to make the most of our time. We can provide alternatives to those struggling with addiction or mental illness to find peace within a community committed to living, working, and even having fun together. What’s more, we can educate ourselves in the Spirit’s work through researchers to understand and treat addiction more effectively.
Fill my time not with debauchery, O God, but with your living, moving Spirit. Amen.
