At first, I had no idea that to possess the qualities that many of the members of Alcoholics Anonymous had took a degree of humility - a characteristic I had not a scrap of. I was extremely prideful, but I began longing for this trait of humility as I made my way through the program. 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
Michael C.
ReplyDeleteAs you importantly point out, real giving is the manifestation of true humility. I had no sense of humility thus no capacity to give. Under those conditions, i now know that frustration was the best I could expect and misery the worst. Deep down within me, I felt the presence of a power that could reverse that course. It was the leveling of my ego, as precipitated by abuse of alcohol, that led me to the program of recovery and to The Power Within me. It was only by integrating all Twelve Steps into my life that I was able to take a square look of who and what I had become and a genuine desire to become who and what I could be/really was. Each Step provided an opportunity for humility. Together they comprise that necessary ingredient for the awakening and arising of my spirit. From there, my joy and my life are mine. The next step is to give myself away in some way every day.
Michael a selfish person cannot give. A selfish person can only take. In the subordination of our will to the will of God we are only capable of Giving...Thank you...Armand
DeleteArmand,
ReplyDeleteNothing cuts us off from the incredible plans that God has for us like self centeredness. This inborn insidious trait is a relentless thief of every joy that has been promised and contained in Gods purpose for us and has it’s spiritual foundation rooted in the character of the very 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 Satans 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. Until this well hidden self-centered pride is surrendered it pollutes everything we touch. It stunts my spiritual growth, hobbles my relationships and causes me to miss Gods 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 all who have surrendered or have considered surrendering to Him. "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 Self Centered fear is our illness. Healed only by the Grace of God...Thank you...armand
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