In the book Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, in the historic visit to Bill W. from his boarding school pal Ebby T. (a man nearly committed for alcoholic insanity), Ebby outlined the precepts of the Oxford Group. One of the precepts applies to this notion of humility. Practicing the giving of oneself to another is a true act of humility. Ebby told Bill W. to practice giving, as in, the giving of himself to somebody.
Personally I have learned that it is true humility which unlocks the door to the grace of God. In order to grow in humility I must begin to let go of my selfish desires and begin to have a faith in God. This eventually blossoms into a complete trust in God. Trust in God was difficult initially, as through the entire course of my life I had used my instincts and my intellect to propel me through. But, when I was faced with a self-imposed crisis that I could not overcome with my human power, I had to rely on a higher power.
As the Big Book states, "We trust in infinite God rather than finite self." Today, in this day and in this time, I trust in God. The development of this trust in God leads to a caring of others that was impossible for me before. An alcoholic who is humble enough to trust in God knows that the GIVING of self to the helping of others is a crucial tool of recovery.
Written by Armand
Kevin it makes perfect sense. one cannot possibly live in the will of God without placing the needs of others before our own...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteThe lesson of giving had to be structured on my having something silken to give. For years my frustration as a non-drinking member of The AA Fellowship manifested itself in my inability to become aware of what the poet William Blake called the "silken twine." I could never connect the conscious contact locus of both my human and divine natures. But by incorporating The Twelve Steps into my life in such a way that they have become my life, I now possess the Gift of Me To Be Given To You. In my decades on this earth and in the program of recovery, there is nothing more silken than the conjoining of my natures through The Power Within me. When that occurs, the Giving requires nothing of me for I will be living in the life that I was born to live. And to give away.
ReplyDeleteMichael. loved when you said "living the life that I was born to live." A life given to us through the grace of God...Thank you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteNothing cuts us off from the incredible plans That God has for us like self centeredness. It is an insidious and relentless thief of every joy that has been promised and contained in Gods ultimate will for us. For it is written, Isaiah 14: 12-14 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
Consider the implication of his last statement, "I will be like the Most High," not above but like. It has a deceptively implied legitimacy, for he isn't claiming supremacy but peerage or a position equal to the Creator and Sustainer of all things seen and unseen. It is rooted solely in pride. "Cunning, powerful and deadly" and it's ultimate destination is desolation. This well hidden self-centered pride pollutes everything. It stunts my spiritual growth, hobbles my relationships and causes me to miss His blessings. When I allow pride to reign, life becomes bland, truth becomes relative and values become debased. The antidote to this spiritual sickness is a life manifest in repentance and sanctification rooted in Gods Word through the daily practice of the 12 Steps.
Today my prayer is to listen to the Lord's fear dispelling words to me. "Fear not, I am with you. I will never leave or forsake you. You are Mine for eternity. Seek to please only Me and you will have nothing and no one to fear. My love casts out fear. You don't have to worry about being inadequate ever again. I am your strength, wisdom and courage. Let go of your own control and humbly trust Me to guide you every step of the way. You don't need fear to manipulate people anymore. You are free to motivate them with My love, freely given that you may share and experience My joy in giving My love to others through you..."
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic love that you have the ability to use Scripture to detail the Twelve Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous...Thank you...Armand
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