It is through all our experience with our character defects that we've realized and recognized, set boundaries and applied cognitive therapy and behavioral modification but all to no avail - using these methods is like applying a band aid to a festering sore. What we really must do is get to
the root of the problem. Our character defects exist in our human nature,
not in the will of God. Therefore, if we are willing to perform the work necessary for the Spirit to be awakened within us by living in the back half of The Eleventh Step, "Praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out" (
Alcoholics Anonymous) , our character defects will not and cannot possibly manifest in our behaviors. The power to carry out such knowledge must come from God, as our human nature will only try to sustain our selfish desires. Once we have taken this step we have pulled
the root of the problem from it's poisonous soils.
Some of us have learned through our experiences that we must do this - turn from our human nature and live in the will of God - if our character defects are not to exist in our behavior. Many of us have not. In Alcoholics Anonymous it is often said, "Let go and let God." The "let go" part is in the letting go of our thought process propelled by our human instincts. The "let God" part is thereafter, in which we surrender to the idea that God will propel our thought process through His inspiration. Inspiration is defined as "the thoughts of God implanted in the mind and soul of man." When this transformation of thought has occurred, the root of the problem has truly been healed.
Written by Armand
I know today that my roots as implanted in my human nature are residing in barren soil. They can not grow in a way that will ever yield and sustain spiritual aliveness. Materially, I may achieve, acquire, and accomplish but I will never attain inner peace unless my roots are re-planted and replenished in my innermost self, my real self, my selfless self. Of my own nature, I cannot enable this as it is the joyful work of The Power Within me, the Root of The Spirit. Only by incorporating The Twelve Steps into my life have I recovered from the shallowness of self-centeredness and do I know with certainty another way. The way of the awakened spirit. Letting go of my all-prevasive human nature has taken time. Letting The Power Within guide me has taken Trust and a belief that requires no further authentication. I feel inspired.
ReplyDeleteMichael I can realize, recognize and set boundaries till the cows come home but if my thought process is propelled by my human instinct, my self centered fear will be triggered and I will reach for my character defects in an attempt to satiate the insatiable. For us the solution is a vital spiritual experience. I must give life to my experience with God by surrendering my human nature and living in the will of God...Thank you...Armand
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