Primary Purpose

(Taking a look at our small group and church structures through the lens of A.A.'s Twelve Traditions)

"Each Alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose - that of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers"

      As small group and church members and leaders, the question we can squeeze out of this Tradition is: "Have we really found a solution to life's problems through the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And, if so, is our primary purpose to carry that message to those who still suffer from life's ailments?" 

     We probably all remember what it was like when we first had that "burning bush" moment in which we took a long look at the many things that ailed us, and realized that something had to change if we were going to live peaceful, happy lives. Perhaps our lives took a turn for the better. Perhaps we dove into the scriptures for our first time, and never looked back. Or, perhaps, we had a spiritual experience and it lasted only a bit. 

     Whatever roads we've traveled, we knew that change could not come ultimately from outside. We admitted, and still do, that God started making dramatic improvements in our lives, but some action had to be taken on our parts as well. Otherwise, we knew we would lose what we gained in a matter of time. Therefore, we joined communities of people who were experiencing the same kinds of things. Maybe, after a time of getting comfortable and complacent, we asked ourselves, "Where has the desperation gone?"

    At some point in our spiritual lives, a transition is made from being desperate to escape the hell we've created for ourselves to being desperate to experience heaven on earth. The inner yearning for more and more freedom becomes paramount to all other interests. How do we travel this road of promised freedom and contentment? By carrying the message of how we were saved from a path going nowhere - a trail of darkness. How did we do it? By taking tangible steps through prayer, study, meditation, fellowship, and charity, we found the door to freedom and more freedom opened ever more slightly the more we invested in the things that mattered. 

    But, to think we could get by resting on the burning bushes of the past proved to be a pipe dream. The truth was, those moments had enough energy and ambition to help us take a first step. We needed to dive in headlong into the arms of God, which would require getting some tools to work with. 

    It's when I start to think that I've graduated into a life of spiritual maturity, that my life begins to show signs of the chaos that once dominated me. If I don't get out and carry the message to folks who are struggling through life hopelessly, I'll end up hopeless myself. For the small group or church, I believe the principle applies just as well. When we begin viewing our groups as having reached a certain stage of enlightenment, a point at which we can now rest assured that we are removed from ever having to experience the ails of the old life ever again, the collapse starts to happen. 

    It's imperative that we, as people who've been rescued from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and spirit, realize that when we are helping others we are really insuring our own personal and spiritual welfare. To think we are only teachers with nothing to tend in our own hearts is a dilemma that I see occurring constantly with religious organizations and literature. We've forgotten that we are just as close to taking that turn for the worst as anyone else. We've somehow managed to convince ourselves that we are safe and protected from the disastrous potentials of our own corrupt minds. 

    How do we safeguard against turning towards the life we'd only thought we'd left behind? Have a primary purpose and stick to it. Invest in it with every ounce of energy we can muster. A primary purpose is a mission statement about where we were, what happened when God stepped in, and what it's like now. For the Christian, the primary purpose is carrying the Good News into the world every chance we get. It probably helps to narrow this down to one or two aspects, like tending to the needs of the homeless or helping build clean water wells. Either way, we look at these opportunities of charity through the lens of "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." Our "foundness" and visibility are cultivated and nurtured through carrying this message to a world that still suffers aimlessly.

Group Question: Does our group do anything that conflicts with our carrying the Gospel message to people who want a way out of their misery?

Personal Questions:

1. Do I ever cop out by saying, "I'm not a group, so this or that vision statement doesn't apply to me."
2. Am I willing to explain firmly to a newcomer the limitations of our group's help, even if they get mad at me for not giving them a loan?
3. Have I today imposed on any group member for a special favor or consideration simply because I am a fellow group member?
4. Am I willing to help the next newcomer without regard to who or what is in it for me?
5. Do I help my group in every way I can to fulfill our primary purpose?
6. Do I remember that the old-timers in the group still have problems? Do I try both to help them and to learn from them?