Step 4
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Psalm 139:23 - 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the paths of everlasting life.
So much of the slickness we call religion today is found in its ability to make us feel good about ourselves, without actually changing anything. Our self esteem is boosted and raised when we have these wonderful thoughts that we are God's children. He loves us! He wants to bless us! We are the apple of His eye!..
While this is true, such cannot be an excuse for our behavior. Such phrases as "I forgiven!" is true. The heart of the gospel message is forgiveness for the sinner. But such a gift as forgiveness is not meant to be squandered on old thoughts and old habits that we have refused to turn loose of. In other words, with this change in our spiritual status, due to our salvation, there should come with it a change in character. In other words, God does a work deep inside us that should result in a spiritual change of behavior.
Step # 4 is the beginning of this work.
The realization that it is our character, coupled with that old stinking sin/nature, that has fueled our addiction. Once the decision has been made, and salvation accepted, then we begin to business of addressing our character flaws. Why do you think King David asked the Lord to "Search his heart," if is wasn't to learn more about himself. Learn the exact level and nastiness that his own heart was capable of.
Such a process as looking back at the things you've done, trying to understand the motive behind them is a painful process. More than one person has walked away from recovery because of Step # 4. This is the step that separates the adults from the kiddies. The pain that is felt is guilt and shame for all the hurt and damage that has been done. But the healing comes in spite of the guilt and shame. Healing comes as the individual makes the commitment to push forward. Healing comes when the individual can recognize his character flaws and see them for what they truly are. Then and only then can a cry go up to God for change.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world (the behaviors and mindset) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
We are in need of a complete make over, and only God can produce it in us. Step # 4 allows us the incredible gift of seeing the "real" us, and to realize that such a change of character needed can only come through the grace of God poured out on us.
Step # 4 is the plow that breaks the fallow ground of our heart and our nature and allows God's Holy Spirit to begin to plant the seeds that will produce His fruit.
Love....
Joy....
Peace...
Patience...
Kindness....
Goodness....
Faithfulness....
Gentleness.....
And self control...
Now who wouldn't want those in their life?
God on you...
mb
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