"If Faith without works is dead, then willingness without action is fantasy"......Anonymous
Step #6 - We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
I hear so many different takes and beliefs when it comes to recovery.
Some, who really don't know much about addiction, say that all a person needs is to summon up more willpower. "If they really wanted to quit, they'd just stop."
Others claim that therapy is the needed thing. If a person could understand why they use then they could stop.
Somehow, I don't think any of us know the extent of the power of addiction. I don't know much in this old world, but I do know this. The only hope for anyone trapped in addiction is the introduction and infusion into their very lives of a Power greater than themselves. By receiving this power unto themselves, they are restored to sanity, or the ability to make sound decisions.
Simple truth......addiction is the byproduct of fallen humanity. Sin is manifested in the life of those who have not surrendered themselves to Christ. Addiction is merely one of the behaviors that come out of a sin-sick heart.
Bill W., in the big book of A.A., called this "having a vital spiritual experience." In other words, we have to come in contact with the living, real-deal God that we read about in the Bible. Not the God of the church (no pun or shot intended against church goers).....not the God of the TV Preachers (once again no pun or shot) but the real God we read about that comes to those who cry out to Him for help. This encounter usually comes from a place of complete brokenness and a desire to stop the madness.
This encounter with God is all part of the what we refer to as The Twelve Steps. We have placed ourselves in a position to cooperate with God in changing us. Not just our outward behaviors, but our inward beliefs. One of the steps most vital in this process is Step #6.
Here, in this step, we are ready to attack the very heart of our addiction........Our Character.
Character, the belief system that we have created over the years, tells us how to interact with the world we come in contact with every day. Character defines who we are and the principals by which we live. If that character is wrongly built, then our decisions are based more on our own selfishness and what will benefit us the most rather than on what is truly right or wrong.
The Recovery Bible states it like this: We fight our addiction on two fronts dealing with the hunger deep inside us and changing our thoughts of doing wrong. Neither battle is easily won. Each requires our daily readiness and willingness to allow God to satisfy our hunger and help us overcome our defects of character. (Step #6 pg. 863)
In an age where everything is "instant" and "4-G Fast" we are dealing with life and death issues. There are no short cuts or quick fixes to recovery. It is a process and a day to day life of change.
God extends such an invitation to all who desire to change, in Isaiah 55:1-2: "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink.......even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk....for it is all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give your strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!"
So where have you been eating lately?
At the Addiction diner.....
Or at the table of the King?
Have you become satisfied with the dark, plate of death and destruction......
Or do you hunger for the feast of being free and living life in a new way?
Think on these things....
God on you.....
mb
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