A.A. Quote
We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85

RinC Reflection
A daily reprieve based on our spiritual works? Or can we be "Cured" by the Grace of God?

Today's passage illustrates the significant change in Bill W.'s message during the formative years of A.A. Beginning with his  Spiritual Experience in December 1934, and ending when the Big Book was first published in April 1939. The Big Book was authored by Bill W. but in collaboration with the A.A. membership during 1938/39. 100 mimeograph copies, known as the original manuscript, was distributed for member comment. Where "God" was replaced with, "God as We understood Him."

Todays passage clearly contradicts Bill W.’s story, quoted by AA Number Three, Bill D., in Bill D.’s personal story in the Big Book: “Henrietta, the Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease that I just want to keep talking about it and telling people.” [Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., 191]

What are we to make of this? I suggest that God does not intend for us to get into any futile argument about the definition of cure. Better that we look to Paul writing in Romans: 8:28, that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, according to His purposes for them. I do not understand why God allows sin in those He has saved. Or why He heals one from cancer and allows another to die? When all human logic screams that it is the "good" who deserve to be healed.

I will trust God. I will believe that His ways are eternal and far beyond my simple human comprehension. I believe that I am 100% cured, in Jesus, exactly as Bill W. said. I also believe that my cure is dependent on my spiritual condition as Bill W. wrote. I trust that I am cured. I also pray He will protect me from the insane thought that I can safely drink alcohol again!

Psalm 118:24 ESV This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
1 Peter 2:21 ESV For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

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