MORAL - OK, I admit I am a little behind with this week's blog - I've been trying to find a clever way of bringing this lesson to light but the reality is, this is one of the hardest, but most rewarding lessons in our steps! I say the hardest because it is something we have avoided doing all our lives; searching our inner self.
I know when I first did the 4th step, I was scared of the pain and of admitting to someone else things in my past. But with the help of Christ, my Higher Power, I overcame the pain by confronting my hurts and especially by realizing my part in each area. ++Remember: It is important to keep your inventory balanced - it's not all just bad, but the good things you have done, also! This Moral Inventory is so important, because until we recognize the baggage, we cannot give it up to God and that is what this is all about! Being free of the baggage is what makes this the most rewarding step. Freedom from condemnation, not from God, because Christ did that, but from ourselves which opens us up to serve and live for Him! (Romans 8:1)
This is also a time when it is so important that you have someone you trust to be able to share your inventory with because we can't just bury everything or resentments can continue to grow. We will talk in the near future about sponsors and accountability partners, but for now, watch different people at your group and look for someone who you admire their walk with the Lord. You want someone who has overcome and can listen and encourage through your 4th step.
Make Time
Open
Rely
Analyze
List
Most of all, be patient with yourself! There is no timetable (within reason) :) Don't be afraid, instead anticipate the freedom and peace that comes from cleansing the past (no rear-view mirror living). Live for the future - a life that is abundant through Christ!
If you say one thing and do another you have no morals. That used to be me big time. Getting honest with oneself was very hard, but with the help of the one I call my Lord and Savior, those morals where returned to me. I had to pay a price. The price was not to steal, cheat, lie, curse, drink alcohol, smoke, all those things that I did and didn't care who knew. So lets thank Him who sees all and nothing is hidden from His sight for His love and understanding in what we go through as humans. For the flesh is weak, but He is strong.
ReplyDelete"AS FOR GOD, HIS WAY IS PERFECT, THE WORD OF THE LORD IS FLAWLESS, HE IS A SHIELD FOR ALL WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM." PSALM 18:30
Without this step there is no meaning to your recovery. DO IT...it's so worth it in the end.
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