Step 12:   Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the steps,
we tried to carry this message to others and to practice
these principles in all our affairs.

December 6

Recommended reading: Galatians 4, 5 and review Matthew 1

Yesterday it hit me: we’re on step twelve! What can we expect when we’re finished with this study? Is the goal of the twelve-step process to get us all “perfected” so that we can then go out and set others straight? We’re almost finished with a year’s worth of devotionals focusing on the twelve-step model—a way of life intended to provide us with principles that, when applied, lead to the abundant life. And yet, in the midst of all this stepping, people I love who live by these principles find themselves still struggling, sometimes suffering, and definitely not perpetually perky. What’s up with that? Is that normal? Does that mean we didn’t do them “right?” What does the abundant life look like?

In my opinion, situations like this are not only normal; they are opportunities. Practicing these principles in all our affairs means just that—all our affairs. Some days these “affairs” involve pain, wrongdoing (ours or others), and spiritual conundrums. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve been practicing these principles in all my affairs for a long time, and I’m still in process. I abandoned the expectation that the abundant life would include perfection long ago. I suppose that’s why scripture is loaded with references to a shepherd’s tools of the trade: the rod and the staff.

First, let’s consider the rod. The rod was the power weapon for a shepherd. Custom-fit for his size and shape, the traditional rod was made from a young sapling and carved with great care. The enlarged base remained a rounded head of hard wood. Shepherds might use the rod to bash in the head of a poisonous snake or to fend off a hungry lion. A wayward sheep might even feel the nudge of the rod as a way to get his attention. The rod had another use too. It was sometimes used to inspect the sheep, pulling away the wool to expose the skin. Without this careful inspection, diseases could go undetected—ultimately endangering the entire flock.

Recently I used my parental rod to poke and prod into the thought processes of my son. His lacrosse team was struggling with some “off the field” concerns. It seemed necessary to whip out my rod. I asked how he and his pals made their decision to handle “the issue;” I hunted around in the recesses of his brain for motive; I forced him to think long and hard about his leadership responsibilities. It was a hard, probing, and productive conversation. My son appeared to take no offense at this examination; I think that’s because he trusts me. I really do think he believes that I have his best interests at heart. I hope so; because I do!

Thought for today: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24 (NIV)

Thought for tomorrow: As a Good Shepherd, God doesn’t wake up every morning for the sole purpose of making us happy. He’s training us for a grand epic adventure (think step twelve). This training requires discipline (remember process not perfection). Sometimes God finds it necessary to whip out His rod too. If we value God’s refining fire of presence, we find comfort under the rod of His discipline. May you enjoy God’s hand of discipline today, for it signifies His intent to prepare you for an excellent adventure. When God takes the time to prod us with His rod—with His loving gaze focused solely on us—we are at that moment the object of His love and affection. That’s definitely the abundant life!

December 6
Teresa McBean

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Other links: www.crosswalk.com &  NACR Online