In the book Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age, in the historic visit to Bill W. from his boarding school pal Ebby T. (a man nearly committed for alcoholic insanity), Ebby outlined the precepts of the Oxford Group. One of the precepts applies to this notion of humility. Practicing the giving of oneself to another is a true act of humility. Ebby told Bill W. to practice giving, as in, the giving of himself to somebody.
Personally I have learned that it is true humility which unlocks the door to the grace of God. In order to grow in humility I must begin to let go of my selfish desires and begin to have a faith in God. This eventually blossoms into a complete trust in God. Trust in God was difficult initially, as through the entire course of my life I had used my instincts and my intellect to propel me through. But, when I was faced with a self-imposed crisis that I could not overcome with my human power, I had to rely on a higher power.
As the Big Book states, "We trust in infinite God rather than finite self." Today, in this day and in this time, I trust in God. The development of this trust in God leads to a caring of others that was impossible for me before. An alcoholic who is humble enough to trust in God knows that the GIVING of self to the helping of others is a crucial tool of recovery.
Written by Armand
Giving held nominal interest to me. Getting was everything. Not knowing what it was I wanted, I simply wanted more. As a selfish and self-centered alcoholic, the closest notion of trust I possessed was in liquor itself. It was the only relationship I guarded with complete and rapt attention. Giving of anything was an afterthought; giving of myself an impossibility, even to my children and family. Such was the nature of my fear-based addiction. Only by integrating all Twelve Steps into my life in such a way that they became my life was I given a life, a real life. Through The Steps I came to know The Power Within me and within all of us. That Power neutralizes and equalizes everyone and everything into a way of life worth receiving. But more importantly, worth giving. Paradoxically, I know that giving is, in reality, getting. More than my mind could ever conjure but perfectly fit for my awakened spirit.
ReplyDeleteMichael a recovered Alcoholic goes from a go getter to a go giver...thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteNothing cuts us off from the incredible plans that God has for us like self centeredness. It is an insidious and relentless thief of every joy that has been promised and contained in Gods ultimate plan and will for us and has it’s spiritual foundation rooted in the character of the first being to rebel against Gods perfect plan. For in Isaiah 14: 12-14 it is written, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
Consider the implication contained in this statement, "I will be like the Most High," not above but like. It has a deceptively implied legitimacy, for Lucifer isn't claiming supremacy but peerage, that is, a position equal to the Creator and Sustainer of all things seen and unseen. It is rooted solely in pride. "Cunning, powerful and deadly" and it's ultimate destination is desolation. This well hidden self-centered pride pollutes everything. It stunts my spiritual growth, hobbles my relationships and causes me to miss His blessings. When I allow pride to reign, life becomes bland, truth becomes relative and values become debased. The antidote to this spiritual sickness is a life manifest in repentance and sanctification rooted in Gods Word through the daily practice of the 12 Steps.
Today my prayer is to listen to the Lord's fear dispelling words to me. "Fear not, I am with you. I will never leave or forsake you. You are Mine for eternity. Seek to please only Me and you will have nothing and no one to fear. My love casts out fear. You don't have to worry about being inadequate ever again. I am your strength, wisdom and courage. Let go of your own control and humbly trust Me to guide you every step of the way. You don't need fear to manipulate people anymore. You are free to motivate them with My love, freely given that you may share and experience My joy in giving My love to others through you..."
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic the life given to me through a personal relationship with God is forever nutured by sharing it with others...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDelete"If you are looking for an example of humility, look at the cross." - Thomas Acquinas
ReplyDeleteWithout humility in our lives, we are guaranteed to never recover. Pride and vanity are the two results of our human instincts and fear running wild together. They both feed on one another until the individual loses their soul. Alcohol was the catalyst to make pride and vanity the primary motive behind my thoughts, behavior and relationships with others. I believe when I am told that I was created in the likeness and image of God. That makes you and I pretty awesome! But that doesn't mean I shouldn't go around and expecting people to remind me of it. I am just the created. He is the Creator! The Creator gave us a picture of true humility: agape love for our fellow men and women walking this journey together during this brief moment in time.
Jim humility is the key that unlocks the door to the grace of God...thank you...Armand
ReplyDelete