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
In my opinion and from my experience, you have singled out the entire dilemma of me in a few paragraphs. My seemingly endless character defects, played out over the continuum of my life, were manifested, both drunk and sober, in behavior that was ultimately unacceptable to me. Having stuffed myself, I wound up starving; my human nature could not be sated, regardless of the bandages and therapies applied. I lived as a festering sore drained of energy except for that which alcohol could temporarily provide. Walled off from life, bars and booze became my domain even as the realm of the spirit beckoned me from my deepest within. In AA, I initially found the solution to the symptom. But by incorporating all Twelve Steps into my life, I found the root of the problem through an "unsuspected inner resource" - The Power Within me and within all of us. To live within That Power and in compliance with that Higher Power's will for my life is to live outside my human nature without forgoing it. This awareness is the result of my personal experience of me-only, and the endless experience of The Power Within me. The Truth.
ReplyDeleteThis Comment Is From A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
ReplyDeleteArmand, great topic!
The root of the problem is, was and always will be my unwillingness to answer the clear clarion call of God. This is the universal struggle even the most immature mind can comprehend for His call is unmistakable. His will for the day is always above my understanding and always requires His power to accomplish. He never reveals the end from the beginning for the challenges are more than sufficient just for that day. If I am obedient in the moment and not fear that the "consequences" of my decisions may result in the "perceived loss" of what lies ahead in the unseen future, I will discover the blessing, deepen my faith and experience the true joy and freedom in life that can be apprehended in no other way. Living this life on the surface of the pond is an empty false flag adventure at best. A finite illusion of the infinite reality that can only be experienced with the True Guide and Lover of our souls. Having been dashed on the rocks too many times to count I have abandoned my swim up the rapids. For by His grace and mercy I am discovering the only Fountain of Life that leads to the ocean of love that is the essence of His being...
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic