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.
I want to make certain that upon arriving at Step Ten, I have already received The Promises to take with me into the world of the spirit. That, of course, means that I must review my work from Steps One through Nine. If The Promises have eluded me, I know that I have to re-consider and possibly re-visit those areas where I may have further work to do. As Step Ten tells us, our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. What a powerful notion that is for anyone at any time of life! By understanding what has been taught to me, I get to remain a student but somehow become a teacher at the same time. I can pass on my understanding to others and become closer to them, to The Power Within me, and to myself. In that process, I will become a more effective and more whole person. A person specifically assimilated to give away that which I have been so freely given. Step Ten brings me new vision through the simple act of looking at myself through the Power Within me.
ReplyDeleteMichael spiritual and religious traditions have a component where a daily review is made. Alcoholics Anonymous is no different...Thank you...Armand
DeleteThanks Armand,
ReplyDeleteThe preceding steps have born witness to my new birth into an eternal relationship with God. His name becomes foremost in my mind and heart as challenges of each day brings 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 10 begins 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 steps 11 and 12 make 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. If practiced only intellectually this is a daunting task indeed. 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 devoted life clearly explains this inward battle on "the road less traveled".
21" I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 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. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 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. 2 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 the human nature is a strong foe. Without help it can overwhelm us...Thank you...Armand
DeleteStep 10- I am to continue to take personal inventory and when I am wrong promptly admit it. I need to grow in understanding and effectiveness and live in the world of the spirit, in God’s will. I can’t afford to live in resentment fear and I must stop fighting. I want to move closer to the light and live more from my heart. I can strive to be present and do my best to practice these principles in all my affairs. I have a daily reprieve contigenent on the maintence of my spiritual program. I seek God’s strength and ask that he guide and direct my thinking. As I continue to seek I shall find. Thy will be done. 🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteJessica Keep working it. You are doing well...Thank you...Armand
DeleteThanks, Armand. Your entry is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteNoreen Makes it all worthwhile...thank you...Armand
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