Principles of Recovery

Perhaps the best 'missions statement' that expresses God's heart toward broken people (that's all of us) is seen in Luke 4:18-19. The Spirit of the Lord empowers us to see what heaven sees for broken people - healing, liberty and recovery.


One of the things that I have learned regarding recovery is that people are not projects to be worked on. People are valued in God because of their inherent worth in Him. The anointing of God doesn't work on what is missing; it works on what Jesus has already accomplished for us. I remember trying to win my dad to Christ. My zeal wasn't always helpful. There is a fine line between helping and hindering. That line gets crossed for example, when we don't respect a person's free will. But when we trust God's Spirit to do the work, He will do a work that will far exceed our abilities and efforts. "We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Eph.2:10)


Another thing that I have learned is that God motivated recovery will not trade on symptoms but will focus upon the cause of Christ. Put another way the cause of Christ is bigger than our condition. Often our efforts are about trying to make pain go away. We can medicate, lubricate, vindicate, activate and even demonstrate but the pain is still there. Recovery is more than just dealing with 'fig leaves' or false coverings. It is all about receiving what heaven declares through the finished work of His Son. For example, when I know that I am totally forgiven of my all my sins, I will be empowered to forgive both myself and others. (Col.3:13) Recovery of broken relationships will happen when I realise that the cause of Christ is bigger than anything else.


When we see the power of the cross we will also get heavens perspective upon life situations. Grace based principles will always triumph over human preferences. There is the story of the two women who disputed over who was the real mother of a baby (1 Kings 3:23-28) The real mother was prepared to give up 'ownership' of her child so that the child could live. The principle of respect for a life was bigger than even her own preference. I may feel justified about my angry at another person or upset at the way I have been treated but is it life giving for me or anyone else? I may want to straighten someone else out but in the process am I being bent out of shape? Spirit led recovery begins in me. His anointing will always bear witness to truth. Principles will empower us to even let go our preferences as uncomfortable as this may be at times.










This blog is based on a message given by Ross Smith entitled Principles of Recovery at The Vine Church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia on 17/05/15. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching