In The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions it is written: "A continuous look at our assets and liabilities, and a real desire to learn and grow by this means, are necessities for us. We alcoholics have learned this the hard way. More experienced people, of course, in all times and places have practiced unsparing self-survey and criticism. For the wise have always known that no one can make much of his life until self-searching becomes a regular habit, until he is able to ADMIT and ACCEPT what he finds, and until he patiently and persistently tries to correct what is wrong.
Through daily inventory we can admit and accept that our character defects are a part of our human nature, a part that cannot manifest if we are truly living in the will of God. We are completely capable of understanding, if the proper work on the 12 steps is thoroughly done, that our human nature is in fact defected. We must accept this about ourselves if we desire to be recovered.
In the program of Alcoholics Anonymous it is often said, "Let go and let God." The "Let go" part is turning from the incessant prompts of our human nature and the "Let God" part is living in, and thereby manifesting, the will of God. Living in the raw-natured will of God, our character defects cannot be manifested in our behavior - it is in such a spiritual place that our nature can be perfected as we become the human being that God created us to be.
Self-survey is a most powerful tool of recovery.
Admitting to the defect wasn't difficult for me but accepting it was. That required action, without the promise of immediate results. Patience and persistence were unnatural to me, as was the notion of responsibility for my own peace of mind. In truth, I don't know where I'd be today without The Steps and their incorporation into my life as a life-changing process. Self survey meant taking a hard look at those defects which prevented me from becoming me. I found that I had to completely let go of empty me in order to find the fullness of The Power Within me. Steps Six and Seven are concerned with the most elemental part of me - my character. In the program of recovery, I learned that character is what remains after all the words and ideas and things are gone. Since peace is what I seek, I must admit to and accept the transformative process that yields it.
ReplyDeleteMichael the benefit of inventory is the recognition that not much changes until the surrender of our nature to the will of God is absolute. Through our failure to overcome our shortcomings on our own effort we are forced to actually surrender completely...Than you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteIt was my base instinct for survival that compelled my first surrender and opened the door to Eternal Light and the purpose for my existence. I am now gratefully at peace with the knowledge that my eternal destination is secure. The words of Chapter 5 are simple but clear, "We asked His protection and care with complete abandon." As I abandon my desire to become my own worst nightmare and accept the future God has planned for me before the foundations of space and time I need only place my weaknesses before Him and failure is replaced by forgiveness and fear is replaced by faith. He is my Constant Compass and His Word is now my map. My one true and only source of security, in every insecurity, encountered throughout this day.
Todays devotion: Holy Father, as I begin this new day I exalt You by seeking to uphold righteousness in my life, which comes from being right with You. I humbly confess whatever may keep me from being in a right relationship with You. Forgive me for the idols of my heart. Forgive me for being insensitive to other peoples needs. Forgive me for any self-sufficiency that makes it difficult to hear Your loving direction throughout this day. It is by faith in You that I am made righteous in Your sight. Help me to humbly trust You and follow Your guidance in all that I say and do. Empower me today, Lord, to do what You would have me to do. Show me the way..
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic humility is the key that unlocks the door to the Grace of God....Thank you...Armand
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