In the Third Step we made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God. The Fourth Step is the next step in the process, the purpose of which is to find out what is it about me that is keeping the grace of God from my life. It is through the grace of God that the healing occurs.
Many spiritual traditions include a deep and thorough look at the past to discover the truth of what is uncovered. Alcoholics Anonymous is no different.
As we work through the Fourth Step we may be getting the sense that the completed program of Alcoholics Anonymous will allow us possibly for the first time to be living our lives as God originally intended us to, free of the manifestation in our behavior of resentment, fear and anxiety. We will then become the human beings God created us to be and we will maximize our human potential, as the manifestation of our human nature is perfected in the will of God.
For years I had heard that "the truth would set me free." The problem was I had no real idea of where to look for the truth or how to find it. As a result, fear and anxiety dogged me daily. The Fourth Step enabled me to look inward for the solution, and to recognize that the goodness was there - an unsuspected inner resource which could allow the grace and dignity of The Higher Power to flow within me, and to change the course of my life. I now know that it is only deep down inside me where that truth can ultimately be found. And that I can live a life of freedom within the context of that truth.
ReplyDeleteMichael In the Fourth Step we have the opportunity to uncover the root of our problems. If we are willing to face and accept what is found the healing of the problems found can begin to occur as we incorporate the rest of the A.A. program. You said "the Fourth Step enabled you to look inward for the solution, and to recognize the goodness was there." The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says and this is paraphrased - it is only there that the great reality can be found deep within."..Thank you for your important contribution...Armand
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of my uncovered past will surely bring to light what has long dwelled in the shadows. It's like wearing a heavy backpack that weighs me down and slows me on my journeys. Logically, I know I have to take it off and empty it but I have now become so used to the burden that I fear what I may find inside. The fourth step, a look inside my soul and the secrets it carries, will free me. Why I don't look forward to it with certainty that my life will change and God's spirit will have room to fill me is my human error - listening to my head, and not my heart.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin In the Third Step you will make a decision, defined as a final choice,. to turn your will and your life over to the care of God. Knowing that God is with you as you approach, write and share your Fourth Step is the strength needed to complete your Fourth Step. I really appreciate when you wrote "the discovery of my uncovered past will surely bring light what has long dwelt in the shadows "Well said...Thank You...Armand
ReplyDeleteThis comment is from A Grateful Recovering Alcoholic
ReplyDeleteThe Purpose Of Step Four
Steps 3 through 7 are so dynamically intertwined it's hard for me to spiritually separate them. In Step 3, I made a decision. In Step 4, I begin to act upon it. The subject of the inventory was simply the location of my moral compass and the direction the needle points. If I am fearless, I'll admit it's been buried in the belly of the beast for a long time, a very, very long time... And like all things buried it had entirely lost its ability to perform. It's glass was missing, the needle gone, its face illegible and caked in mud. It was beyond my ability to restore. A miracle was called for. In Step 5, I furtively showed it to the Master. In Step 6, I firmly placed it in His hand. In Step 7, I asked Him to restore it and place it in my heart. There it sits to this day, surrounded by His loving hands.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
a Grateful Recovering Alcoholic Thank you for your comment...Armand
ReplyDeleteHow will I know when I am fully living in Gods will? That is my biggest question I am constantly pondering. I do not know if I ever will be completely rid of fear and anxiety. I do feel that as I go though the 12 steps, I am feeling free of resentments, that part I know. Fear and anxiety however still constantly creep into my recovery.
ReplyDeletePaul As you come closer to Him, He will reveal himself to you and you will know. Your human nature will always have fear and anxiety but you have made a decision in the Third Step, you are on your way. Stop pondering and start trusting...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteGod created me to be perfect as the perfection of the sun rising on the east . Setting in the west, the Earth resting on it's axis turning in perfect time as it rotates in perfect space around a perfect sun . Positioned for perfect temperature to sustain life upon the planet in which we live . When I was relieved of the bondages of resentments, fears, conducts, because of what I wrote in my 4th step the 5th step stood before me as the guiding light for the next set of steps . I finally new the meaning of hope. Willingness to be entirely ready to have these defects removed, humbly trust in Him for the removal of this wedge between my Creator & self. Set off to create my list thoroughly, these things I know but on paper a commitment is made to complete this step. If not completed as in the other steps I will not recover from this hopeless state of mind and body. If I am not generating recovery then I am degenerating into this disease of obsession & compulsion to drink alcohol .
ReplyDeleteThese things things that Mr. Barris describes such as fear, & anxiety prevents living in the Will of God .God doesn't have to give up. He continually gives I'm not always willing to receive . The 12 steps of A.A. Guides me to the Light! In the Light I can see ! I can see the Truth . With the Truth I'm free of fear & anxiety !
Don in the will of God we maximize our human potential as we become the human being that God created us to be...Thank you so much Don for commenting...Armand
ReplyDelete