Nature and Power of Surrender

 In the first installment of this series, we explored the Nature and Power of Honesty. In the second installment, we focused on the Nature and Power of Belief and Hope. Today, we will explore the Nature and Power of Surrender. This step confronts, conflicts, and challenges us to sacrifice self. It is the first step where action is required. A step that is radical in its approach. While the first step helps us understand and acknowledge our own weakness. The second step helps us prepare by realizing the need of a greater power than ourselves in order to restore hope. This third step requires we step out in great faith. It is a step of deconstruction and reconstruction. 

Made a decision - a very radical decision

Our greatest desire and barrier to a sustaining and long-term sober lifestyle is that of our illusion of control. We obsess over our need to control - people, places, things, and events. This is true when a person attempts to control, on repeated occasions, the compulsory need for alcohol/drugs and/or other problematic behavior. However, we make a conscience decision that is complete and total. We give up our ultimate need of control over our own lives to that of a Higher Power. What does this look like? How does it help us in recovery?

It is coming to the end of our own self and self-righteous desires. It is the confrontation of the reality we have been kicking at the goad. Based on an ancient Greek Proverb, it reflects an agricultural concept. A farmer used a Goad (today, it is called a cattle prod) in which he'd guide the oxen in the specific direction needed. The oxen sometimes rebelled and kick against it. The goad, made with an iron point, would go further into the animal's flesh. This caused even more suffering. In Philosophy, we kick at that which is harmful, yet driving us toward a certain direction.

At the very core, we realize our own deficiency and will power. Recognition of hope in something more powerful and greater than ourselves moves us toward relinquishing our lives over to that Higher Power. It is a radical surrender. Meaning, it is complete, and total.

Surrender is required for deconstruction

The first part of our recovery process begins by deconstructing our ego, our self-centeredness, our selfishness, and our critical and manipulative false beliefs. It is the deconstruction of our own illusions and disillusions.

This step, also, requires that we step outside of ourselves and forces us to begin exploring what standards of conduct are more socially acceptable. This is compared to the behavior motivated by distorted and false beliefs. It requires we relinquish:

• Old attitudes and false beliefs and values
• Old patterns of living that have produced pain and suffering
• resentments, bitterness, and unforgiveness
• Shame and guilt brought on because of our substance use
• Fears and barriers that prevent us from growing and restoring sense of true self/soul

Once we place our faith in a Higher Power and completely and totally surrender our lives and will over to our higher power; are we able to begin the process of deconstruction.

However, we want to remember that there needs to be something that replaces the old attitudes and beliefs. If there is no replacement, then we become disillusioned, despondent, and desolate.

Reconstruction of the authentic soul

The pathway of recovery is the reconstruction, or restoration of, the authentic soul. This is accomplished as we work the steps, attend our meetings, and develop new way of living through fellowship with others in recovery. It promotes healing, realignment with true values and beliefs, and fosters empowerment and freedom. We are guided in finding meaning and purpose in life.

This process requires trust on our part. It is putting into action our faith we discovered in step two. Trust in others who are working a healthy recovery program. Trust in we to change and move through the recovery process. Trust in our developing of new attitudes and beliefs.

It also requires our understanding of the process. Understanding of what it takes to live one day at a time. To make a conscious effort to reshape our thoughts. Understanding of how our emotions work and the influence they have on our lives. Understanding of the consequences of continued substance use and the continual despair inherent in continued use. Understanding of faith and hope, and how we are healing day by day.

Restoration is the act of turning from that which brought destruction in our lives and turning toward that which will bring restoration in our lives. This includes the act of forgiving and forgiveness, to make a commitment toward our own healing process.

Finally, it brings us to the reality of the new life offered through the process of recovery. A new identity and understanding of who we truly are. Finding our own sense of worth, empowered freedom, sense of fun, and sense of belonging: we become renewed in knowing our meaning and purpose.

To turn from our old ways and toward a new way requires commitment. It requires hard work, patience, persistence, and faithful perseverance. This third step is the step of readiness for engagement in the necessary efforts toward change. It is also something we commit to every day.

This commitment to reconstructing our new sense of authentic self is based on these truths:

1. Understanding
2. Intention
3. Communication/community
4. Action/Engagement
5. Livelihood/service
6. Effort/Energy
7. Mindfulness
8. Concentration

These 8 principles will be further explored in a separate article. Suffice it to say, our recovery warrants a process of healing, of change, and of our commitment toward a new way of living life that is free from substance use. It becomes a life we work toward recovering. And, it is a life we experience when we come to realize that there is a required sacrifice to give ourselves, and our will, over to something greater and more powerful than ourselves.

Nature and Power of Belief and Hope

 Imagine you are walking along a very narrow path. The forest is thick and dark. As you struggle your way along the path, you notice a possible clearing up ahead. In haste, you rush along the path. The clearing becomes more and more welcoming. At last, you take your last step out of the darkness and into what appears to be a safe and inviting clearing. Unfortunately, you failed to look at your final step and realize you've just stepped into quicksand.

As you look around, a large and sturdy branch hangs within reach. You grab hold of the branch. With exertion, you pull yourself free from the quicksand. In that moment, you are placing your faith and hope in that branch to bring you out of harm's way.

In recovery, we come to a place that awakens us to reality. We become radically and rigorously honest with ourselves over our inability to manage our lives. And that we have allowed substance use to become the predominate means of existence. Once we are honest with ourselves, we are able to look toward a way to bring ourselves back onto a path of living differently. We are looking for restoration.

Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves is able to restore us to sanity

There are two distinct principle truths in the second step of any 12-step based recovery support group. The first requires faith and belief. The second reflects our assurance and trust in the capability of being restored. Belief and hope are the two core principles.

As we move from being honest with ourselves, we are now entering into a reality of how we are not at peace. The insanity of our disease may prevent us from bringing our own self out of despair. This is evidenced by the many attempts a person has engaged in their attempt to moderate, control, or even establish some period of abstinence.

When an individual meditates on this step, they are responding to a deep acknowledgement of their own suffering. Through their own personal experience confirms the reality of the struggle to achieve restoration and sanity. This insanity is the crazy ways of thinking and acting that are a real part of our experience. As powerfully devastating substance use causes: we admit our need for something more powerful than our own will and strength.

Despite our present despair. We also admit that possibility exists a way for us to work toward changing our present lives. It is when we finally take this step, we may experience an overwhelming relief. Our sense of hopelessness and powerlessness becomes a hope and empowering encounter toward restoration. This step acknowledges the reality of spiritual healing. It is that moment of clarity when we reach out for help.

It is a deep reflection of our own belief in a healing power that helps us out of our quicksand. An individual finds healing power in others who are in their own sustaining recovery program. It may come with a rekindled passion to reconnect with a faith-based community. Or it may be in those quiet and sacred moments of turning toward the Divine and seeking help in our distress.

We shift our thinking from the illusion of false belief and hope that our substance use may have provided to a more rational and logical belief in something that is more powerful in breaking those chains of bondage.

This hope offered by taking this step is our belief in the possibility of freedom in knowing recovery is attainable. It is attainable because we are on a path toward ending our own suffering. We begin to gain insight in knowing we are healing, learning to forgive self and others, develop a deeper sense of self and love for self and others. An individual begins to find hope in recovering the loss sense of self. Our true nature. Our authentic sense of being.

Along with the belief and hope that is inspired through taking this next step, we are also granting permission. Permission for us to explore ways to find healing. Living a liberated life where we begin to experience insightful and transformative wisdom. It is the path of enlightenment. It's our call to spiritual awakening to the reality of taking our journey of self-actualization.

However, this does not come easily. The healing power of recovery comes when we realize our need to completely surrender our lives over to a power greater than ourselves.

How God meets us where we are

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

One of the most challenge things in being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is having to constantly be aware of one's on-going work toward perfection. Many times, as a Mormon, the constant teaching of, "you have to do this in order for this to happen," came across the pulpit, at firesides and in Sunday School. The tragic loss of this message is that most people who have left the Church finally realize the real freedom in a relationship with Jesus Christ and not being obligated to prove one's self-worth to God.

The simple message of the Gospel, and of the sacrifice the Savior made, is diluted, confused and wrapped in a more humanistic effort to please God. The reality is that because God is sovereign, loving and merciful, he meets us where we are at in the present moment - not where he desires us to be in order to bless us, redeem us, or even forgive us when we falter. Unfortunately, the Mormon faith, it's leaders and many members seemed to have lost sight of this important truth.

Sitting in counsel with the clinical director at the non-profit agency I work at, she said, if you really want to make an impact on the client's life, you have to meet them where they are at and not where you desire them to be. What is being said here is that as much as I want the client's that I work with to be free from their addiction and moving into a healthier lifestyle (which is nothing wrong to have such desire); the reality is that they may not even be ready to be at that point in their own recovery.

In essence, I have to meet them exactly where they are at in the present moment and be aware of their own brokenness, their own perception, and their own challenges and obstacles. Because, for me to constantly desire them to be where I want them to be, they are going to have that much more resistance to change. However, if I meet them where they are at in the present moment without judgment, criticism or expectation, they may eventually find the means necessary to slowly move into their own recovery and change will inevitably happen.

The sovereign creator of the universe also meets each and every one of us where we are at in the present moment. Regardless of what we have done up to that point. Regardless of what may or may not happen after that point. In the present moment of our mortal existence, our loving God meets us. Of course, His desire is to see that we move into a changed lifestyle and have a deep, intimate and meaningful relationship with us. However, that will eventually come to fruition. What matters is in that moment God meets us, we are right where we need to be for him to be there.

Throughout the Bible, we see exactly this pattern of God - meeting people exactly where they are at in the moment of their own need. The savior of the world met people exactly where they were at in the moment of their own need. Without criticism, judgment or expectation. These individuals did nothing to prove to God their worth in meeting their presenting needs.

A simple message, the Gospel, in that we all come to faith at that precise moment when the Grace of God floods our hearts and changes us into a new being - a new person because of the power of the Cross. We did nothing to earn it. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, or Christ say, that we have to first come before him with clean hands and clean hearts. For example, the woman caught in adultery was brought before Christ. The people were prepared to stone her as it was the custom and applicable to the law. However, Christ simply wrote in the sand and asked which one of them is free from sin? When he looked up and sees only the woman, his words are comforting - neither do I judge you, go and sin no more! (John 8:2-11, ESV)

Christ knew the hearts of those surrounding the woman. He met them exactly where they were at in their own sinful state. There was no statement of judgment. he who is without sin, cast the first stone. The only person present that was without sin was Jesus. Stoning, at that time, was a form of condemnation and punishment based on judging one's behavior. The crowd realized they were not perfect in that present moment. The woman realized she was not under condemnation and judgment for what she was caught doing.

Today, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being misled that they must perfect themselves and possess clean hands and a clean heart before God will even consider approaching them. Each member has to stand in counsel with someone to confess their sins in order to determine whether or not they are specifically "deemed worthy" to engage in some of the more esoteric rituals and forms of worship. One speck of sin in that person's life (where they are not following the direct commands) may bar them from participation. However, the scripture says that we are not perfect - only because of the sacrifice Christ made are we perfected in Him, because of His righteousness (Colossians 1:22, ESV) and we stand blameless and without reproach before a Sovereign and merciful God.

Even as Christians, we may stumble and may have at some point walked away from the faith - however, God is still merciful and just in that he does meet us where we are at - not where he desires us to be. No man has the right to say to another, "come, clean your garments and rinse the filth from off you before coming into the presence of God." For we all stand filthy, no matter how clean we may seem to believe. Only God can cleanse us from all unrighteousness and that by the power of Jesus Christ.

Earlier this month, I happened across an article at Crosswalk.com by Dena Johnson - How wrestling with God will change you forever. In her article/devotional, she recounts the story of Jacob and how Jacob wrestled with a person throughout the evening. His name was changed from Jacob to Israel and became the father of the Israelites. What she noted in this passage is the following:

For the last two years, I have been wrestling with God. I have wrestled night and day, asking for a fresh vision of who he is and what he wants for my life. I’ve had a particular situation that has caused me to lose many nights of sleep—nights spent wrestling with God in prayer. I’ve begged God to give me clarity because I know that God is the author of peace and not confusion. I’ve spent countless hours crying, seeking God’s face.

Prior to this, Dena recounts this simple reflection: "I’ve always been curious about this passage, about how Jacob—now known as Israel—wrestled with God. I simply couldn’t understand what it meant."

Dena further remarks on how she came across a simple passage of scripture that held a peculiar principle of truth:

And he set up an altar there and called it “God, the God of Israel” (Genesis 33:20)

Citing Genesis 28:13, 32:9 and 31:42, Dena makes the following observation:

You see, until Jacob had a divine wrestling match with God—until he had a very personal struggle with God—his faith was not cemented. It was not his own. Yes, he knew of his father’s faith. He had most definitely heard the stories of his grandfather’s faith. But, he was only living his faith vicariously through their faith; it had not been solidified in his life.

Her observation, personal experience of her own "wrestling with God" and how it increased her faith, and giving peace, Dena shares the simple principle of an eternal principle. Until we have our own encounter with the divine and wrestle with God in our own lives, we will not fully understand and comprehend the blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us.

I reflect on this article and its simple message because of a recent LDS Fireside I attended for the Seattle-Shoreline Stake. A fireside about those of our families and friends who have doubts about the Gospel, doubts about God, doubts about Faith and in general - they are in a season of wrestling with God. How do we respond to those who are wrestling with their own doubts? Wrestling with their own personal questions and simple truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

1 - Mindfulness and active listening

We have to be very mindful and truly be present in listening to what another person has to say. This means, we must look upon them and be in the present moment with them. Meeting them where they are at, not where we believe they ought to be. Many of us struggle with this act of kindness.

2 - We all have a story - the Lord wants to be included in that story

For those who are struggling with their own questions, doubts, testimony, faith or have particular concerns about doctrines of the Gospel have a story. Like Jacobs story of his wrestle with God, each person is writing their own story regarding how they are wrestling with God. The Lord was not reclusive, the Lord was wrestling with Jacob just as much as he is wrestling with each one of us as we consider our own doubts, questions, and crisis of faith. At the end of the day, being a person of faith is a great challenge. Yet, once we come to the morning upon which we are touched by God and realize who he truly is and are blessed by him, we then can own our faith and true testimony.

3 - Individuals with doubt and crisis of faith feel unsafe

One of the many problems in our society today, more specifically within the culture of Christianity, is that those who are wrestling with God do so in silence, alone, and without any collective knowledge. They may, perchance, offer up some hint of struggle to those very close. However, when it comes to outright discussing the exact nature of their struggle and crisis of faith, most fear judgment, condemnation, ridicule, and/or even being ostracized for not have a strong testimony or faith in God. This includes disappointments in finding those who truly may know and understand the heart of the individual who is struggle.

4 - Respect and validate where a person in crisis is

In a previous article that I had written, I opened up with this paragraph:

One of the most challenging aspects of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is having to constantly be aware of one’s on-going work toward perfection. Many times, as a Mormon, the constant teaching of, “you have to do this in order for this to happen,” came across the pulpit, at firesides and in Sunday School. The tragic loss of this message is that most people who have left the Church finally realize the real freedom in a relationship with Jesus Christ and not being obligated to prove one’s self-worth to God. The simple message of the Gospel, and of the sacrifice the Savior made, is diluted, confused and wrapped in a more humanistic effort to please God. The reality is that because God is sovereign, loving and merciful, he meets us where we are at in the present moment – not where he desires us to be in order to bless us, redeem us, or even forgive us when we falter. Unfortunately, the Mormon faith, it’s leaders and many members seemed to have lost sight of this important truth. (How God meets us where we are in the present moment)

This very thought was illuminated this evening at the fireside. People who are having a crisis of faith (whether they are Latter-day Saint Christians, Evangelical Christians, Roman Catholics or any other Christian faith), are not looking for judgment or condemnation. Instead, they are looking to be met exactly where they are at in that precise moment - without prejudice, judgment or unsolicited advice. Especially since the last thing individuals want is to feel unwelcome by those in their Christian faith community.

Instead, we ought to strive toward inclusion of those who are wrestling with God because of their doubts, fears and questions. Because people are emotional beings more than they are rational beings and through emotional experiences, make decisions based on how they feel. We may not know a person is struggle and wrestling with God, what we say and what we do determine whether or not a person feels unaccepted and unwanted.

5. Remember what you know about your own personal experiences

For those wrestling with God because of doubts and questions, always hold onto what you know and have already experienced while striving to live out the Gospel in your own lives. This may require having a heart-to-heart conversation with an individual or a group of individuals (Family, friends, like minded co-workers, even those who may not share in the same beliefs you and I share in). The more insight we are able to gain, the more we are able to bring to remembrance the many different blessings and spiritual experiences we have already received.

6. Need to turn our doubts and questions over to God

We always forget that God works according to his own timeline. For instance, after 400 years of Slavery, God had heard the many prayers of the Israelites and remembered his covenant he had made with Abraham. In our finite ways of thinking, we demand instant gratification, instant relief from whatever is our struggle, however we are wrestling with God. Here is where real faith is challenged and tested - not by our will, but by the Will, desire and purpose of God. A God who is sovereign, merciful and kind to those who seek after him.

What then is the recipe to get on the other side of our wrestling match with God? First, we ought to remember to always seek after truth in our own lives. Not only seek after it, live it out as authentic as possible. Remember that just as God validates our own sorrows, our own struggles and our own doubts and fears, we too must validate others who are going through their own season of wrestling with God. Secondly, we ought to be ready to be of service to those who are wanting to find their own personal revelation. Though, we are not able to give to them their own revelation about God or receive answers for them. We are, instead, able to encourage, empower and support their ongoing means to find their own blessing, testimony and faith in God. Much like Jacob had to wrestle with God and receive the blessing afterward, we too must do this alone - not without the support of others around us though.

The blessings that come when we find a solidarity faith in God, his truth and the reality of Jesus Christ? The ability to live out the Gospel in an authentic way as a testimony to others that are seeking their own answers.

We all will come to our own place where we face the Sovereign God and wrestle with him. Be encouraged that just as Jacob found his faith, we too are able to find our own faith in God. And live out that faith in a more authentic and genuine way.

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Discussion Questions for commentary:

1) Have you had a moment of crisis in your faith where you doubted God? What was your experience and how were you able to resolve your struggles and doubts?

2) If you have left the Faith (LDS or Evangelical Christianity) what were some of the doubts that kept you from engaging?

3) How do you identify with the video message and this article? What questions do you have in helping those around you who are currently wrestling or struggling in their own faith?

Nature and Power of Honesty

 When my daughter was younger, she'd love to watch Veggie Tales. I had a copy of one of her favorite VT videos. The title: Larry Boy and Fib from Outer space. 

The premise of the story line focused on dishonesty vs. honesty. Each time Jr. Asparagus told a lie, Fib grew larger and larger. At the end, Fib became quite big and caused trouble for Jr. Asparagus. It was only when Jr. Asparagus realized he needed to tell the truth. Each time he spoke the truth, Fib decreased in size. A simple message for children. Yet, a fundamental principle truth for people in recovery.

In Sobriety Demystified: Getting Clean and Sober with NLP and CBT, author Byron A. Lewis, M.A. writes:

...This clearly demonstrates a primary curative aspect of the Twelve steps program: the focus is not on the problem, but rather on the solution. ...intrinsic to this step is a primary principle of Twelve Step programs known as rigorous honesty.

What Lewis is referring to is the hardline truth: all individuals suffering from substance use disorder come to a place of admitting to the fullest extent the nature of their problems. In line with the First Step, Lewis remarks how it is the start of the process.

Power of Honesty and Admission of Powerlessness

A person becomes powerless because substance use becomes a pervasive, chronic, and progressive disease of brain reward and motivation. Lewis comments on how ongoing suffer's of substance use tend to foster a tendency toward ignoring consequences of compulsory behavior. Instead, the individual believes they are capable of handling problems associated with their continued use.

While they may trust in their own confidence of managing problems, despite continued use, there is repeated failure in moderating, limiting, or controlling their actual use. Instead, problems become exacerbate. Continued use despite negative consequences. 

As a moderately seasoned counselor, I provide the following information to my patients:

• Inability to manage when substances are consumed
• Inability to manage amount of substance use being consumed
• Inability to manage behaviors associated with being impaired/under the influence
• Inability to manage any withdrawal symptoms being experienced because of increased substance use

In Alcoholics Anonymous, one may even hear someone say, "I just can't stop at just one drink". That is because they are verbalizing the reality of their own inability to control how much, how often, and how they may behave once they take that initial drink.

It is this moment of clarity of being honest with self, a person may be able to start laying the foundation for a true recovery-based program.

Power of Honesty and an unmanageable life

Not only has an individual become powerless over their substance use, but their own lives have also become unmanageable. This recognition is a second layer of the foundation. Another rigorous honest approach is the acknowledgement of the pervasive impact it has had on the individual sufferer.

Noah Levine writes this:

For the addict in the midst of addiction, life is often a downward spiral that ends in incarceration, institutionalization, violence, loss, and death. Some may continue to function in seemingly normal ways - working, parenting, and participating in society - but an internal death occurs, a numbness arises, and they start to disconnect from themselves and from others. A wall of denial and suppression, too high and too thick to scale or break through, keeps others out and keeps the addicts in, trapped by [their] own defenses, prisoner to [their] own addiction (Refuge Recovery - Addiction Creates Suffering, pp 3-4).

Levine continues with these points on how suffering manifests in an individual:

1. Stress created by craving for more
2. Never having enough to feel satisfied
3. Stealing to support continued substance use
4. Lying to hide ongoing substance use
5. Ashamed and Guilty of one's behaviors
6. Feeling (belief) of unworthiness
7. Living in constant fear the consequences of one's actions
8. Intense emotions of anger and resentment
9. Hurting other people and self
10. Intense hatred toward self and others
11. Jealousy and envious of others
12. Feeling victimized and/or inferior toward others
13. Selfish due to being needy and greedy
14. Lack of confidence toward genuine sense of happiness and wellness
15. Anguish and misery of being enslaved by continues substance use

The nature of unnecessary suffering (as Levine remarks in his book) is a battle between our desire for happiness verses our need for survival. In active substance use, it is merely about survival from one moment to the next. A person's life is hyper focused on seeking out, obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of alcohol and/or drugs.

Levine makes this statement on how one's recovery is fundamentally founded on the principle of honesty:

This is a process that cannot be skipped or half-assed. The foundation of our recovery is a complete admission and acceptance of the suffering that we have caused and experienced due to addiction.

Levine continues how this rigorous honesty needs to happen in order to do away with any shred of denial, minimization, justification, or rationalization. It is a principle truth that requires a radical honest approach toward healing. This radical honest approach encompasses two truths:

• Come a complete and total understanding of the reality of our own suffering and negative impact substance use has had on our lives.
• Accept the reality and truth that it is because of our continued substance use that is the causation for our own suffering.

Through our admission and acknowledgement, and by embracing the reality, that because of ongoing substance use, one has become powerless, and life had become unmanageable.

Power and nature of honesty leads toward freedom

Embracing the reality of our suffering. Admission to our sense of powerlessness and inability to manage life is the precursory means to establish an abstinent based recovery program. An individual begins to experience freedom by striving toward physical sobriety. Once physical sobriety is achieved, an individual begins the honest and rigorous work toward emotional sobriety.

Physical sobriety is the ability to establish and sustain a life without alcohol and/or drugs. It is the ability to manage and cope those symptoms of withdrawals. Maintaining daily empowerment to implement alternative ways to manage cravings that may lead back toward substance use. It is the ability to regain the power of volition of making daily decisions not to drink or use.

Emotional sobriety is more rigorous in bringing an individual face to face with their own inner turmoil. Learning how to manage intense emotions. Becoming empowered to move toward healthier relationships, financial stability, regain a peace of mind, finding meaning and purpose, rediscovery of core values and beliefs, and practicing a healthy lifestyle. It is a process of transformation and restoration of our true sense of identity.

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The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?  If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

~ Genesis 4:6-7, ESV ~ 

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Through emotional sobriety, a person regains the ability to manage their own emotions. This does not mean we fake it till we make it or force ourselves to think positively all the time. It means we are honest with ourselves when it comes to the nature of our own emotions: Positive or Negative. If we are not managing our emotions, our emotions are managing us, and we end up not doing well. We fall short because we return back to our old behaviors.

Summary of thought

Like Jr. Asparagus, a person suffering substance use creates a life that is dishonest. It becomes a rather large beast in our lives. The only way we are to bring ourselves back to a right way of living is by a radical and rigorous honest approach. The more we engage in being honest with self, the smaller and insignificant our own suffering becomes.

And, while it does not free us from the consequences of our substance use. It empowers us to face those consequences in order to regain mastery over our own lives.

 

Happiness - One Day at a Time

 Who doesn’t desire happiness? A peculiar question to ask. Yet, most people may not appear to fully achieve happiness. We may have a desire for happiness, talk about ways we are wanting to achieve a sense happiness; and yet, never seemed to possess happiness. That may be quite shameful.

Why is this? Many of us may not have a true understanding of happiness. It is not based on contingencies; the if’s and then’s.

If I get a better job, then I will be happy….

If I get a better car, then I’ll be happy…

If my spouse/partner listens to me…then I’ll be happy…

These if’s and then’s are the contingencies where we establish our expectations of happiness. Once achieved, we experience elation. However, it is short lived. Once the elation and happiness fades, we are back to our expectations and contingencies. Ever chasing and never achieving.

One is not able to make happiness a destination. We are only capable of creating happiness from our day-to-day commitment to mindful and purposeful living. The real way we experience and achieve happiness is to live one day at a time.

Here is the truth about happiness

To be happy, we do not place our expectations on those things we desire and want. It is not something that comes from luck or wealth. What we need to understand is this:

• We are happy from the joys we experience daily
• Our happiness and joy stem from the habits we form, and then how they form us
• It is difficult to move between happiness and sadness; however, they are both beneficial

Our daily lives become the product of our own process of self-actualization and transcendence. Whether we are focused on becoming better, or we are becoming worse. It is based on what we give ourselves over to. Allow me to provide some insights on the truth of happiness.

Seven steps toward genuine happiness

1. Make a commitment to grow and enjoy life where you stand: One of the greatest tragedies is people focusing too much on the past failures, mistakes, and regrets. Or they are to consume with what may or may not become; and fear any potential risks for growth down the road. Becoming mindful of the present moment and experiencing the intricate simplicity of the moment allows us to begin enjoying life in small ways. We begin to strive to do something that brings us a sense of worth, a sense of freedom, a sense of fun, and a sense of belonging. As we grow, we naturally start achieving our desires and have a better attitude of enjoying those advancements.
2. Value the process and the journey more than the destination: While setting SMART goals are a worthy venture (and how they lead us to successful growth), we do not want to get lost in the focus of our destination. Instead, we want to enjoy the journey and the process. Our own life is its own personal journey. Different life experiences and events help us with our decision making. However, it’s the very process of change and growth where we find joy and genuine happiness. We move from one stage to the next, stretching ourselves and taking calculated and necessary risk. We consistently improve.
3. Do not wait for inspiration and motivation: Procrastination is the poison to success and happiness. What we can put off for tomorrow may very well be what we can accomplish today. Happiness is not something we want on those “good days” where we have the energy to get much done. We give our best each day, regardless of how we may feel. This is where we learn to persevere.
4. Willingness and commitment to sacrifice pleasure for opportunity: It goes without saying, we only feel happy in those moments we experience pleasure. We crave pleasurable rewards and attempt to avoid unpleasurable experiences. Our society is about the instant gratifications – the “I’ve got to have it right now,” There is always a cost to our lives and the pleasures we want to experience. Chasing after our contingencies, we pay the price of loss opportunities and sacrifice self and others to only grasp happiness like elusive water in cupped hands.
5. Dream SMART and Big: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is oft quoted to say: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” While it is good to dream big, we also want to be smart about how big our dreams are. They need to be specific in nature. They are to be measurable, achievable, result-focused by those outcomes measured and not activities pursued. Our dreams, and tied with our goals in achieving those dreams, are to be time-bound. This creates a sense of urgency and are practical in nature to secure success and happiness.
6. First things first – Priorities matter: Happiness occurs in the day-to-day moments when we remember the more important priorities. Stephen R. Covey related a story of a professor who utilized an illustration of a gallon jar, rocks, gravel, sand, and water. If we place the large rocks in first, we can then shift in the gravel, sand, and water. If we do not, when it comes to fit the rocks in, there may be no room. Planning our priorities takes simple time management skills. We manage our time and all things we engage in are done with purpose and meaning. Our time is structured, yet fluid and flexible. Time is our most valuable commodity.
7. Surrender illusion of control: Rami Shapiro, in Sacred Art of Recovery, states that our greatest desire is for happiness, however, our greater weakness is control. Bill W. (Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous) is also quoted as saying we need to stop playing God. The truth is: For us to grew and experience genuine happiness, we are to let go of our illusion of control. We also realize our greatest fear is our inability to overcome any obstacle we may be faced with. Much of the time, we will also experience opportunities to let go of those things we value for greater things of greater value. This requires faith and courage. We always want to trade up, never trade down or settle.

Life is met for growth and improvement. These seven principles help us keep in mind the path of our journey.

All religious ideologies have idiosyncratic beliefs that may lead a person toward self-actualization and transcendence. It is up to our own self-dedication to those spiritual principles and truths that determine whether we are growing. If we are meant to improve from day to day, then we are able to experience growth, achieve success, and experience genuine happiness.

Some days, we may experience elation and pleasure, yet other days may require stalwart discipline and focus to maintain our focus.

Recognition may come slowly. We do not want to be faint of heart. The more we work at focusing on being mindful, purposeful, and intentional each day, we are growing. The recognition will eventually come. Our focus is to maintain our overall sense of joy that produces our genuine sense of happiness.

It is when we shift our attitude and perception from what we want to accomplish to how we are choosing to live out our life day to day. Genuine happiness is waiting for you to make the first move.

Return Good for Reproach

 Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake

~ Matthew 5:11 ~

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One of the challenges facing each of us are those who continue to be torn with hate. They despise the turning and transformation of our lives toward health and wellness. They revile against our recovery and progress we are making. They may even manufacture and spread falsehoods - which there is not a shred of truth. Yet, we continue to move forward in our journey through recovery. Even when people are prone to speak of our past mistakes, hurts, and Hangups. Recovery teaches us to be kind to ourselves and toward others. They despise us for the change we are making because they are unwilling to face the truth of their own powerlessness and unmanageable life.

We draw sweet comfort from our allies, from our Higher Power, and those whom we align with in sober support meetings. Our desire is to focus on the present. We have moved beyond our past failings, removed ourselves from unrealistic expectations of what the future may hold. Our recovery is not about proving to others we are capable of changing. Our recovery is about focusing on how we are changing toward a sober lifestyle.

Let us continue to go forward and return good for those that may reproach us. We continue to be helpful and generous with our kindness and generosity.

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Today's Thoughtful Meditation

I realize that people, whom I've associated with in the past, may revile against me and my recovery journey. I shall not bend ear toward their hatred for the progress and change I am making. My recovery is my own personal journey and through the grace and mercy of my Higher Power, I will continue to move forward in kindness toward self and others.

Growing in the Light of Recovery

 

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That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter....

~ Doctrine and Covenants 50:24 ~

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Our recovery is about growth and development. It is a march that leads to maturity, peace, and freedom. It is a profound challenge for any person to take on and journey through. We are to continually learn to rely on our Higher Power, on our allies that are supportive of our own journey. The light provides illumination in our own lives.

We've spent so long in the darkness of our own suffering and captivity that we initially squint at the evading light of truth and reality. And yet, we realize that our darkness is the very absence of light. As we grow and strengthen in our own recovery journey, we are growing in light and truth. We increase our own light in order to shine in the lives of others who are suffering.

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Today's Thoughtful Meditation

As I continue to rely on my Higher Power and support for my own journey, I realize I am growing in light and truth. I find greater peace and harmony with myself, others, and life. My light shines forth and illuminates my path daily.

Possessing Right Convictions

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 In this world so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges, you can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. You can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right.

~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~

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Standing a little taller in our recovery requires our voice. It requires us to make a testimony of rescuing our own lives from a physical, emotional, and spiritual shipwreck that substance use has caused. It requires us to possess the right convictions.

Our problems never cease. They do not go away. Regardless of whether we are actively drinking or using. Nor do they subside as we engage in recovery. We are constantly threatened by daily challenges. Therefore, we stand taller and rise above complacency. We have a unique vantage point. Our point of view is moving toward that which is right for us and our recovery.

For us, we become involved, invested, and speak with a strong presence and voice for that which is right for our own sanity. We stand for freedom, and we stand for those who still suffer and struggle in their own powerlessness.

It is through our daily disciplines, our daily choosing of the right, and our daily struggles that we are able to succeed in finding freedom. Above all, we choose to possess the right convictions that continually sustain our sense of freedom.

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Today's thoughtful meditation

I have committed to possessing the right convictions for my own life and recovery. I speak with truth and peace of mind that I am working to overcome and strive for freedom in my own life. I become a voice that rises above anything that is mediocre or indifferent. I've gain freedom from the shipwreck my substance use had caused.

Beware of the Evils of Selfishness

 

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All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way ...

~ Isaiah 53:6 ~ 

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All of our troubles, dysfunctions, illusions, and what brings us back to using is selfishness. It is a vicious preoccupation with our own comforts and with our own means to satisfy our own appetites. We need to be aware of the evils of our own selfishness.

It is interesting that many scripture passages use the term "sheep". Even Jesus Christ refers to himself as the "good shepherd."

Sheep are not survivors. They are not like any other animal. They lack direction, they are not smart, and they certainly are defenseless. Like sheep, we come to realize that we are not survivors, we are directionless, and we are defenseless. When it comes to fight, flight, or posture, sheep merely gather around other sheep and run, with panic, in circles.

Given the right situation, without guidance, direction, and a strong defense, we succumb to the wiles of the coyotes of the world. This is the reality of being a sheep. The danger of our own selfishness is a return to a place where we are dumb, directionless, and defenseless.

By surrounding ourselves with others, we learn, gain wisdom and insight. By following our Higher Power, we are not left without direction, nor are we left defenseless in those times of need.

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Today's thoughtful Meditation

I will continually be aware of the evils of my own selfishness and keep myself within support of other people. There, I will find direction, meaning, purpose, and be able to have a strong defense when the coyotes of my addiction come to feed.

Having Become Meek and Humble

 

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Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth

~ Matthew 5:5 ~

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Many people share their stories of brokenness. How their substance use caused significant loss in their relationships with family, co-workers, loss of employment, loss of health, and even loss of one's freedom. They refer to this moment of awakening to spiritual destitution, reproach, and decay as their "rock bottom." In some ways, a person may express it in this manner:

It was not until I hit rock bottom that I realized I had a problem

Whatever your personal rock bottom is, it was the motivating factor to bring about change. It is what motivated you to engage in recovery. However, what we do not understand (and for that matter, realize) is that our rock bottom really is the catalyst that brought us to a place of humility and meekness. Because of our significant loss and negative impact substance use has had on our lives; we were brought to a place of being humble.

The blessings of our recovery come when we exercise strength through our Higher Power and come under His control. We demonstrate the grace, the mercy, and the love of our Higher Power as we recognize our need and dependence on His wisdom. It is through our experience of rock bottom that we have come to the end of our own self will and desire and realize we have a greater power invested in rescuing us. We need only to submit to His will. To do this, we are humbled and meek.

Meekness also means that we become gentle and kind toward our own sense of being. We are gentler and kinder towards others. Not by our own volition. Through the kindness and gentleness and grace our Higher Power invests within our own soul.

We also, through our own meekness and humility, come to recognize what we are capable of changing and what is beyond our control to change. Through it, we gain wisdom and courage:

God, Grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

What we inherit, by turning and trusting in our Higher Power (as we may understand), is the abundant life and experience this world may offer to us. We inherit blessings of strength, courage, ability to bring under control our own sense of emotional and well-being. We may start inheriting good health and wellness. Through meekness and humility, we also inherit healthy relationships with other people. Our own finances may bless us with the means to maintain a healthy and economic lifestyle. Even our own since of spirituality increases and we inherit richer and more fulfilling spiritual growth.

The challenge is to remain in a state of humility and meekness, lest pride brings us back to what may cause our own downfall.

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Today's Thoughtful Meditation

I will focus on what brought me to a place of humility and develop a life based on being gentle and kind toward self and others. Through my own experience, it was not the fall that mattered, nor the negative consequences from my substance use: What matters is my ability to extend out toward my Higher Power and regain my life back through his control and mercy and grace.

The Value of Good Books

 

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Seek ye out of the best books, words of wisdom

~ Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 ~

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Good books are as friends, willing to give to us if we are willing to make a little effort

~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~

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The best investment one ought to make is finding those books that inspire, empower, and focus on personal and spiritual growth. When we think of reading, we mostly think of reading something that entertains us. We read mysteries, romance, general/literary fiction, and westerns. These help with distracting us. And there is nothing wrong with this.  However, we also want to read to learn, to improve our ability to grow mindfully and spiritually. We seek out books that inspire and provide wisdom and insight.

What we read may very well reflect how we relate and understand the external world. I propose that we read a variety of books. Fiction and Non-Fiction. Read something that may challenge your present way of thinking. And, read mindfully. Mindful reading helps us develop better assimilation of the information we are processing. This is true when we are reading something that may not conform to our present worldview.

Not only are we reading to learn, but we are also developing our own literary taste by spending some time alone and enjoying a good book. No television, no internet and social media. Just a good book, a cup of coffee, and some time exploring new worlds and destinations.

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Today's thoughtful Meditation

I will begin reading books that provide insight, inspiration, and empowerment as part of my ongoing recovery process. Through mindful reading, I will continue to stand a little taller.

Choose the Right Always

 Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. 

~ Doctrine and Covenants 6:20 ~

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As we continue to stand a little taller in recovery. As we begin to embrace our journey and work toward a healthy lifestyle; we come to realize that choices are placed before us. We want to be true to our convictions. We now understand what is right and what is wrong. We know what we are doing. Recovery is the proper thing that begins to restore us to sanity. We discover our strength to engage in the right cause. Therefore, we want to be diligent, faithful, and true. This only comes when we choose the right, always.

Latter-day saint youth, and adults, sing a beautiful (and simple) song:

Choose the right when a choice is placed before you. In the right, the Holy Spirit Guides; And its light is forever shining o'er you, when in the right your heart confides. 

(Chorus)

Choose the Right! Choose the Right! let wisdom mark the way before. In its light, choose the right! And God will bless you evermore.

The choices we make determine the path we take through recovery. Our decisions either are moving us toward healing, wholeness, and overall wellness; or it is leading us back toward destruction, addiction, and unhealthy living. We grow in wisdom as we consistently make the right choices. We confide and walk within the light of grace and truth our recovery brings. We find blessings in ways we may never have fathomed.

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Today's Thoughtful Meditation

I am committed to my recovery program by choosing the right always. Recognizing that my decisions have an impact on my life, and the life of those around me. As I progress forward, striving to stand a little taller, I will make a consistent habit of making right choices.

 

Pursuing Hard After God

 Authentic Christianity begins with one main experience: pursuing hard after God. What does it mean to pursue hard after God?

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My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me

~ Psalm 63:8, ESV ~

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A. W. Tozer writes:

We pursue God because, and only because, He first put an urge within us that spurs us to to the pursuit (The Pursuit of God, 2013).

We approach the Sovereign creator because he first calls us into relationship with Him. Not of any good we have done in our own lives. He regenerates us by creating a new heart and gives us a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). We are drawn to Christ because it is God who draws us (John 6:44). Tozer continues:

...it is by this very prevenient drawing that God takes from us every vestige of credit for the act of coming. The impulse to pursue God originates with God, but the outworking of that impulse is our following hard after Him; and all the time we are pursuing Him, we are already in His hand...

This idea of pursuing God requires we hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). It is our genuine response to what has already occurred in our own lives. We cultivate a genuine and personal relationship with the Savior because of God's grace in that while we were yet sinners, Christ had died for us (Romans 5:8).

Being made in His image we have within us the capacity to know him. ... The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being senses its kinship to God and leaps up in joyous recognition. That is the heavenly birth without which we cannot see the Kingdom of God. It is ... not the end but an inception, for now begins the glorious pursuit, the heart's happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead (Tozer, 2013).

Are you pursuing hard after God? Have you experienced the power of God's sovereign grace in your life and received a new heart and spirit whereby you hunger and thirst after His righteousness? Have you truly been saved and been born-again by the simple message of the Gospel and have truly received Christ as your Savior? Where do you stand in relation with God?

The days are growing short, the time is almost at hand. Come unto Christ and know that through God, we receive eternal life because he sent His only Son to die for each and every one of us. Through Christ, we receive forgiveness of our sins, and it is through Christ we may enter into the Kingdom of God.

 

How Opposition is Beneficial to an Authentic Christian Life

 For it must needs be, there is an opposition in all things ~ 2 Nephi 2:11

... it is as necessary that we should have difficulties to contend with, in order to make intelligent provision for our spiritual concerns, as it is that we should have the winter frosts and stormy weather to enable us to make discreet provision for our temporal necessities.

(Benefits of Opposition: Richards, Franklin D. Provo, Utah April 4, 1886).

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We live in a very fragile and vulnerable world. At any given moment, tragedy may strike us unannounced - leaving us devastated with great loss and mourning. Others struggle with vices they are no longer able to control. Still, many find themselves isolated, alone, and wondering if anyone truly cares. Each one of us are battling our own demons and face our own struggles. We question, become angry, and feel weighted down by these challenges. We are wrestling alone and in silent.

As Christians, we understand that there are going to be trials we will face. Through these trials, our faith will be increased.

How then does opposition benefit us? We know the reality of our fallen world. We know there is sin. We know that there is exposure to various trials and temptations. We understand that because of our fallen world, many have turned away from Christ. For us as Christians, there is peace and hope that many others are not fully aware of or are understanding toward.

This does not mean that we will have an easy life. This does not mean that we will not face our own struggles. What this means is how we are anchored in knowing that through these trials we are walking through, there is peace and sustaining support from our beloved Savior. If only we turn to him, even with very little faith, he will help us through those storms and those struggles.

 

Hungering and Thirsting after Sobriety

 

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Addiction is an appetite of desire. Its powerful grip holds the individual captive. Our most inner drive moves us to hunger and thirst after alcohol and/or drugs. The greater our hunger and thirst, the deeper we sink into the abyss. In order to recover from this, hold our addiction has on us, we must begin to thirst and hunger after sobriety. The appetite for alcohol and/or drugs compels us to satisfy those cravings that we have developed. Today's thought, therefore, focuses on the nature of how we must learn to develop a thirst and hunger for sobriety:

If we're going to stay sober, we've got to learn to want something else more than we want to drink. ... we couldn't imagine wanting anything else so much or more than drinking. So, we had to stop drinking on faith, on faith that someday we really would want something else more than drinking. But after ... we learn that a sober life can really be enjoyed. We learn how nice it is to get along well with our family, how nice it is to do our work well whether at home or outside how nice it is to try to help others. Have I found that when I keep sober, everything goes well for me?

How do we then begin to develop a thirst and hunger for sobriety? The answer depends on how we have first come to terms with the reality and severity of our addiction. It also comes to acknowledging the length of our journey from the abyss our addiction brought us into. However, once we have acknowledged and accepted the reality of our own powerlessness over alcohol and/or drugs, we begin to make our way toward sobriety. We begin to disassociate ourselves from those that continue to use. Our desire is to no longer "hang" with those type of people. Developing healthier relationships with others in their own journey through the recovery process will become the barometer by which we utilize as an empowering force to propel us forward.

Along the way, we also discover our hidden talents, or re-discover those talents we had long since abandoned. We begin to grow, become healthier and humbled in our own experiences and how we are progressing toward a more meaningful and balanced lifestyle. Our addiction begins to crumble as we develop a new thirst and hunger for a healthy sober lifestyle.

Recovery is an Intensive Spiritual Battle

 Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places

~ Ephesians 6:11-12 ~

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Recovery is an intense battle one will face. It is a battle for our minds, for our bodies, and for our very soul. Between active sobriety and active addiction, we come to embrace the truth or continue to live in our lies and dishonesty. Our Higher Power on one side and our powerful Satan (adversary/opposing one) on the other side.

For this reason, we need to stand a little taller where we stand on the principles of recovery and change. We are to be involved in the process that moves us through a transformation. Otherwise, we submit our lives and our will over to the power of our addiction.

What does our armor of recovery look like? If we involve ourselves with treatment, with attending recovery based sober support meetings, seeking out healthy mentors, and learning from them, developing and utilizing necessary tools, we are engaged in ways to protect ourselves at that time when we are called to battle.

The first element of our Armour is truth. Active substance use brought us into a life of deception, illusions, and lies. We break free from our denial's and recognize the first element of truth: I have become powerless over my substance use and the negative impact this has had on my life.

This occurs when we gird up our loins with truth. This means we are preparing and strengthening ourselves for what is to come.

The second element of our Armour is the breastplate of righteousness. The purpose of this breastplate is to protect our vital organs. In the koine Greek, we find that this refers to the justness or justice that comes in the form of protection against those who may speak wrongly of us. It protects our hearts from false accusations. Through recovery, we find justice and we find our lives, through recovery, acceptable.

The third element is that of our feet being shod. The twelfth step shares how we carry our message to the one who is suffering. In battle, there are obstacles that may injure a soldier's feet. Being prepared for any obstacles that may cause one to lose footing helps one maintain recovery. We also carry the message, our story, to others who may find themselves suffering from substance use.

The fourth element of our Armour is the shield of faith. Our faith in our recovery, in others, in ourselves, and most assuredly in our Higher Power helps us extinguish the fiery darts of the adversary. These come as doubts, people who attempt to enable us to return back to substance use. In Ancient Rome, the Roman Soldier's shield covered most of his body.

The fifth element of our recovery Armour is the helmet. This protects our most critical and viable part, our head. This is the seat of our mind, where our thoughts and emotions stem from. We begin protecting ourselves from those thoughts that may bring doubt, may enable us to engage in adverse behavior. We won't be protected from our own feelings (as they are natural human emotions); however, we will experience protection from managing and being aware of our own thoughts and feelings in order to protect ourselves from engaging in adverse behavior.

Finally, the last element of our Armour is the very sword we wield. This is the only offensive weapon that makes up our Armour. This is the sword that penetrates deep, it is the spirit of truth. Our words speak life or death. When we use it appropriately, our truth comes out and penetrates those we come in contact with. When engaged in battle, we use our truth, our story, as a means to defend and attack any and all things that may come as threat against our recovery and sobriety.

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Today's thoughtful meditation

I will remember to put on the full Armour that is needed. As, I realize that my recovery requires me to engage in battle against those things that come as a threat to my recovery and sobriety. I stand with courage and faith that I will strive toward sobriety, fully engaged in facing down my fears, my doubts, and my own illusions.

 

 

Spiritual Maturity through the Steps

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One of the greatest blessings is working with people who suffer addiction. Sitting in counsel with them and discussing presenting issues they are facing. And, coming up with a means to provide support, encouragement and hope for them is a very unique opportunity. An opportunity to see how a life transforms over time to where they become healthier individuals. I relate to my clients the following:

Recovery is not about abstaining from the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Recovery is about how one lives in a moment-to-moment of transformation from an active addictive lifestyle to an active sober lifestyle.

This is very true in Christianity. We are literally transforming our lives from the old life and living in a manner that produces a whole new life. A life that is centered on Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. It is abandoning and moving away from old habits, thought processes, how we relate to others and what we come to believe and value in life.

One of my own personal struggles has always focused on "I believe in God, yet do not seem to see my life really changing to reflect what I know and believe to be true." Disappointment and frustration arise.

This all changed when I personally began to study the practical meanings of the 12-steps of recovery (originally developed for Alcoholics Anonymous). My purpose in studying the practical meanings behind the steps was to better educate and inform my clients a way to utilize these as tools for their recovery. Through this process, God has spoken to me and revealed to me what I've been missing all these years.

Approaching the steps - not from a recovery standpoint, however, from a spiritual application - a greater sense of inspiration has come about. This, I would like to share with my readers as a means to provide another tool that will hopefully develop a greater sense of authentic Christian living in their lives. In fact, the first statement in step twelve is this:

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps....

This is the heart of the Christian message and biblical worldview - to come to a place of spiritual awakening through Jesus Christ and to become living sacrifices through Him. It is a process that occurs throughout our entire lives. It is not something that occurs overnight.

Yes, we are saved by God's sovereign grace. Nothing in this life will earn our place in Heaven. And it is God who chooses us while we were yet sinful. However, there is greater work to be done in our lives from the moment of regeneration and justification. That begins at the moment we confess our belief in Christ Jesus and receive him as our own personal Savior.

If you have struggled with how to become spiritually mature as a Christian, struggling with sin, or simply finding yourself lacking in faith, then I ask for you to carefully read and ponder these thoughts and do what you are able to implement them in your life today. These steps were developed in the 1930's and many people have found hope by working these steps continually in their lives. I believe we are able to find greater hope in working these steps in our own spiritual lives as we continue to come unto Christ and follow after him.

Our Chief Endeavor

 

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If you were asked what the chief endeavor of the Christian life is - how may you answer? It is a strange phrase to begin with. Chief Endeavor, what does that entail? It simply means, the foremost goal we desire to achieve in the Christian life. And what is this foremost desire of our hearts? It is to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ. It is the pinnacle truth of the Christian message: He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness (see John 8:12)

It is not merely believing in Christ, Jesus for our salvation. It is not even confessing Him as our Lord and Savior (Yes! These are essential and important truths of the Gospel Message). What distinguishes Christians is the very act of imitating His life and manners as a result of believing in Christ and confessing Him as our Lord and Savior.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we become enlightened to this simple and yet wonderful truth. It is where we receive sustenance from the Lord. This is because, through the Spirit of Christ, we are affected in a manner in which our lives are completely transformed. As we come to understand the words of Christ, we desire to conform our lives to mirror his life wholly and completely.

All other things become vain. King Solomon remarked, through his own personal experience, that all one endeavors to accomplish in life is nothing but vanity. The only truth, and a very profound and simple truth at that, is two things: Fearing God and Obedience to the commandments of God.

We are either driven to achieve the honors, wealth, and satisfy the desires of our present human existence; or we are driven to walk faithfully with our heart set on the Kingdom of God. Either we lose the favor of the Lord over our lives, or we gain his favor through grace by obedience and walking in humility after the manner in which Christ lived out his life.

Consider the Teachings

 

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~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~ 

2 Timothy 2:7, KJV

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Whether it is listening to a favorite Christian broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires sincere time of meditation in which we consider the words we hear or read. This is what the Apostle Paul was instructing Timothy on. Our understanding of the scriptures, of the teachings, and of those things pertaining to the kingdom of God come about when we first consider the teachings. 

What does it mean to consider? What are those things we are to consider? How does our consideration bring understanding from the Lord? Let us briefly explore.

Consideration - A Spiritual Mindset

The first principle of this is that of meditation. Psalm 1:2 shares that a man of God is blessed when he meditates day and night on the teachings (law) of God. When we look to receive blessings, we realize they come upon our time of reflection on what is being taught.

In addition to meditating upon God's word, we also come to a place where consideration has purpose in chastisement. One of the purposes of scripture is to correct. Not just the way we believe, the way we are living our lives.

Deuteronomy 8:5 says: "Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee" (KJV).

In the Hebrew, chasten is yasar, this means to discipline and admonish. Like a father may discipline and admonish his son, so also shall our God discipline and admonish us as we strive toward spiritual perfection.

Consideration of the Past

What makes each individual unique is their own past experience? Going further, the past experience and lives of those who have lived before us. Deuteronomy 32:7 provides this insight:

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. (KJV)

We learn from our elders and inherit their legacy of faith. Taking into consideration of not only our past, the past history of humanity and the teachings, experiences, and the faith exemplified in the many lives of men and women of God; we come to learn a great deal.

Consideration of the end of life

As Christians, we look forward to that blessed hope of standing before Jesus Christ. We come to know that this life has purpose and meaning. That purpose and meaning is to enter into an eternal rest.

Keeping with Deuteronomy, we read the following:

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! (Deut. 32:29, KJV).

We are not only considering our past and the legacy of those who have come before us, we are also to consider and come to understand the legacy we also will leave behind for those who will come after us.

Consideration of God's Providential Blessings

We merely do not reflect on the words of God, the teachings inspired by His Holy Word; we are also tasked with the consideration of His providential blessings over our own lives. 1 Samuel 12:24 shares this: "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." (KJV). By reflecting on the blessings we have received, we come to understand God with a praise of gratitude.

When we begin to consider the things of God, we come to understand God's wonderful works (see Job 37:14). We also come to understand God's divine interest in mankind (see, Psalm 8:3-4). We also come to see how we develop a disappointment toward a worldly life (see, Haggai 1:6). We are to learn from nature as well (see, Matthew 6:28-29). More importantly, we are to consider the matchless life of Jesus Christ, (see Hebrews 12:3).

If we are to truly come to understand the things of God, we must take the time to consider all things in relation to God.