Scripture:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Lesson:
The road to recovery is not meant to be traveled alone. We actually need three major relationships. First and most important is our relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, everyone needs relationships with people in their support group. Last, everyone needs a relationship with a sponsor and/or accountability partner/team. Here are some qualities to look for in the people we need to support us and to provide for the people we will help.
S-Servant leader
Sponsors should not be dictators. They lead by living out the steps and principles.
P-Power comes from God, not from the sponsor
Sponsors need to make sure they are giving Godly advice.
O-Open to share their recovery journey
Sponsors need to be transparent. We are all works in progress!
N-Nonjudgmental
Sponsors should not judge those we sponsor, but guide them by encouraging and challenging them. Sponsors need to be role models.S-Still growing in their relationship with God Sponsors need to be active in their own recovery.
O-Objectivity
Getting too close to the individuals we sponsor can be counterproductive and develop into an unhealthy, codependent relationship.
R-Reachable
Sponsors need to be there when the individuals we are sponsoring are going through a crisis.
Application:
The Bible tells us iron sharpens iron, and so one man sharpens another. We face many trials and tribulations in this life, and God never intended us to face them alone. So lean on Christ and your brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t give the enemy a leg to stand on.
