I like to think of the Tenth Step of the AA program as a hallway - a hallway that I must walk down in order to come into the room in which I can live with God. This hallway needs daily repair as the ceiling is leaking, there are holes in the walls and the floor is buckled. Fortunately, the program of Alcoholics Anonymous has given us an instructional manual so that we can pass through, although we may be encumbered at first.Another way to look at this is as if God is the light and my human defects are a clouded glass which no light can shine through. As I begin to incorporate the program of AA into my life and begin to develop a relationship with God, some of the glass clears and some of the light shines through. As I continue to incorporate the Twelve Steps into my life, the glass clears even more and even more of the light shines through. Finally, the day arrives when the glass is transparent and all of the light shines through and it is in this moment that I am one with God and free of the manifestation of my character defects.
Incorporate the Tenth Step into your daily existence and, eventually, into all your waking moments. We must be persistent. Persistence is the time between the promise of God and the provision of God. Thereafter, a life free of anxiety, fear and resentment can be experienced; cloaked in harmony, peace and serenity.
Written by Armand
Step 10 is vital because without it there is no spiritual growth. If I continue to watch for selfishness, resentment dishonesty and fear and discuss these at once with another alcoholic who can help shine a light in my faulty thinking then I can start to see more clearly as God is in there as the divine third. It truly works to change my perception to Gods perspective. That is the true beauty of step 10.
ReplyDeleteAnne Self seeking has been a part of Spiritual Disciplines for centuries. AA is no different...Thank you...Armand
DeleteMy last drinks were drunk in the Inferno. I knew without doubt that I was condemned to suffer forever in that inescapable hell. No exit. Today, I live a life with a guide and directions with all the arrows pointing to the golden place - Utopia. This has become possible only by incorporating The Steps into my life in such a way that I have come to know myself through The Power Within me. Step Ten enables that learning, understanding, and effectuating process to continue to clarify, simplify and magnify. As a result, I have been transformed from hell's gate to freedom.
ReplyDeleteMichael C
Michael we begin with a daily inventory that blosssoms into the examination of our behavior in the moment. Sounds like a lot of work but it isn't as the reward of peace is in this moment is wonderful...Thank you...Armand
DeleteThanks Armand,
ReplyDeleteThe preceding steps have born witness to my new birth into an eternal relationship with God. His Spirit now resides deep within the innermost portions of my heart and mind to reveal that each daily challenge is meant to initiate a deeper experience with His person. I am confident that I can lay anything at His feet with the absolute assurance that He will provide me with all that I need to continue to walk in His will. Step's 10 and 11 are the inward call and practice of, discipleship. Having accepted this "call" I'm compelled to embrace the ongoing death of my old life through the resurrection and renewal of my newfound life in Christ. It is the only path to an ongoing discovery of the true reason why I was created, and as step 12 makes clear, implies multiplication.
This is truly where the rubber meets the road. For I cannot carry the message if I cannot or will not "continue to practice these principles in all my affairs" and step 10 clearly identifies my newfound conscience and desire to keep a very short list of my errant thoughts and offenses. However, if practiced one day at a time, in that innermost region of my heart, there is no greater way to obtain a continuous flow of God's grace.
Although I once bristled at the mere mention of His name I now fervently seek out the Author and Finisher of my faith. In Romans Chapters 7 and 8, St Paul, who shared the instant struggles of powerlessness in his own singularly devoted life clearly explains this inward battle on "the road less traveled".
" I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power* within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."
A Grateful Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic this Step allows me to see myself as I truly am. Once examined the program Of Alcoholics Anonymous gives me the tools to right myself with God...Thank you...Armand
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