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
In The Big Book program of recovery, I learned that my natural instinct was that of a giver, yet I lived my life as a taker. Going so intently against the grain of my wholeness, I was destined to seek relief. Alcohol was my choice even though I knew before my first drink that it would condemn me to hell and beyond. Still, I drank a gin and tonic and stayed drunk, miserable, consummately fearful, and separated from myself for the next eleven years. Beaten into a state of reasonableness, I finally conceded to my innermost self that I was a severe and chronic alcoholic. That, as we now know, is the first step in recovery. After years of attendance at meetings and not drinking, I was still far from a contented useful life. It was only by incorporating all Twelve Steps into my life in such a way that they became my life that I was able to locate The Power Within me, The Source of all giving and of all receiving. Today, in this moment, my greatest value, worth and joy are derived from the living of giving. Without question, through living in this way, I am not only the giver, I am the ultimate receiver. The Gift of Recovery.
ReplyDeleteMichael the ability to love those around us is the result of a loving God in our lives. It is truly wonderful to not be consumed by self...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteArmand,
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
a Grateful Recovering Alcoholic Well said. The problem and the solution...Thank you...armand
DeleteI believe that without humility, all other virtues needed to live the spiritual life are not possible. Humility is the foundation of the spiritual life. Without humility, it's like building a house on sand. No matter how well you constructed the house, without a strong foundation the house will quickly crumble to the ground. But I also believe that humility is typically misunderstood. C.S. Lewis said it best, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less." You dont need to act like someone's doormat to be humble. The best way for me to understand what humility is to use examples. I think most people would agree Mother Teresa lived a life of humility. I dont think anyone would call her anyone's doormat. Nelson Mandela made it a point to return to the prison where he was unjustly incarcerated and forgave his captors. I dont think anyone would refer to Mandela as a doormat. True humility requires me to accept the reality of my situation without fear and resentments. I need to accept pain and suffering and same way I accept joy and love. That is hard! But by striving to do God's will in service of others, humility becomes an easy road to walk. The process of the 12 steps as outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, with the guidance of a sponsor, provides us with the power to lead the spiritual life. Humility must be achieved or we will be, at best, just another dry drunk.
ReplyDeleteJim love when you wrote 'humility is the foundation of the Spiritual life."...Thank yo...Armand
DeleteEbbys visit to Bill and Bill sitting at the kitchen table hoping that he had enough gin about the place to see him through and that he and Ebby could drink like old times proved to be not what Ebby had in mind on that visit. Instead Bill saw something in Ebby that he had not seen before which was to change the path of history forever. The old boy was on fire alright and had come to pass on the message to Bill. It was far better than what Bill had at the time. The problem is that pride and ego block out the humility that I need if I am to improve my relationships with others and I have to pray for these to be removed and pocket my pride. If I don’t or won’t do this life will do it for me and God will do for me what I can’t do for myself. He also won’t do what I can. The steps are about humility in order to overcome the pride and ego that block me off from the sunlight of the spirit.
ReplyDeleteAnne false pride and ego cannot and will not manifest in our behavior if we surrender our nature in the present to the will of God. Humility is the key that unlocks the door to the grace of God...Thank you...Armand
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