Look in the mirror, an AA used to say, if you want to know what your problems are. The best thing about a mirror is seeing yourself as you are, and that can be the scariest thing, too!
Step Six is a kind of mirror, showing me how to start getting over myself.
It says, “Were Entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character . . .” that Steps Four & Five highlighted. (Step Six, The 12& 12)
I’ve been reading this 12 &12 for six years, but I always find something helpful, even if I’ve underlined it four times!
Like I missed several words in the first paragraph: [AA’s friend and clergyman] goes on to explain that any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try repeatedly Step Six on all his faults . . . without any reservations whatever— has indeed come a long way spiritually, and is therefore entitled to be called a man who is sincerely trying t grow in the image and likeness of his own Creator. (page 63)
Duh: Progress not perfection! Learn from my mistakes — don’t live in them!
I also misunderstood that this step is not about having my sins forgiven — Christ did that.
I am forgiven, by grace through faith. Step Six shows me how God wants to repair the walls in my soul that alcoholic drinking and thinking generated.
God’s Sovereign, and I am responsible! (Isaiah 1:19)
Taking Step Six helps me see what needs repairing in my life — even if I am not quite ready to given them all over. It also reflects the One who is willing and able to take the defects of character, and is waiting.
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