The original implication is that the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous are filled with kind and cordial, in some cases full-on working class types, men and women who in humility seek a better way of life.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Most meetings usually split into old-timers and new-comers, with the old-times self-confident in their sobriety, as if they have all the answers by virtue of the fact that they have stayed "dry" for more years than other people.
The rank arrogance is off-putting and cynical, yet common in all religious organizations, where men and women of certain standing start lording it over other people.
The Apostle John contended with this same spirit:
"I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not."" (3 John 9)
Men and women will seek preeminence inevitably, no matter how ideal or determined their spiritual walk, if men and women do not see themselves in Christ, who alone deserves preeminence:
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1: 18)
If man cannot submit to believe on Jesus Christ for redemption and receive His life for sanctification and regeneration, then he will be sucked into the never-ending treadmill of trying to earn what no man can get through his own merits.
The Pharisee spirit still lingers, especially when a newcomer enters the rooms. The old-timers will rush in a frenzy, pushing aside other members to get to the prospect. So much for "love and tolerance".
The outright disrespect which some members foist on others is very troubling, too. Men and women who have been beaten down by their own sin and shame are then roped into finding a sponsor, a confessor of sorts who is more interested in buffing up his owns sobriety.
Even if members achieve long-term dry spells from alcohol, they have now entered into a fold, a hierarchy in which the preeminence of some gives them permission to talk during meetings while others are sharing or to complain ad nauseum in local bars. While claiming that it is God who has granted them sobriety, many members carry on as if staying sober is work which they can credit themselves for.
Jesus has a response for such presumptuousness:
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
"I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18: 9-14)
If we seek justification, if we seek reconciliation and life, let us find it in Christ, not in our works, our merits, or in our sobriety.
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