Faith/Spiritual
Life Recovery Step One says, “We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies and that our lives had become unmanageable.”
In Step One, one must realize they cannot meet God’s standards. Many addicts who are starting recovery think they can do everything in their own strength, but trying to do it all without any help is not the solution. Why? Because no one can do it all. Everyone falls short—no one is perfect. So, God gave the law as a measuring stick to reveal that no one can meet God’s holy and perfect standards.
The apostle Paul wrote: (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
After embarking on the journey of Life Recovery and completing Steps One through Eleven, the last step is Step Twelve. Step Twelve of Life Recovery says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we have tried to carry this message to others, and to follow these principles in everything we do.”
To “carry this message to others” and to help them get off the wrong path and onto the right one, there are four important qualities one must have.
First, it takes courage. Whether at a meeting or in everyday life, God will provide many opportunities to share the message of Life Recovery. Find a Life Recovery Group, participate in the weekly meetings, invite others to attend, mentor someone, or even lead a Life Recovery Group. Learn how to start a Life Recovery Group.
Secondly, it takes gentleness. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Isn’t it humbling to realize that only God is God?
When someone is stuck in addiction, they think they know what is best. But remarkably, God frequently intervenes, humbles them, and shows them that He knows what is best.
Life Recovery Step Six requires one to be “ready to have God remove these defects of character.” So, Step Seven is even more challenging because it involves taking action; it says, “We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.” Without a doubt, Step Seven is hard—it takes relinquishing pride.
In Step Seven, one must ask God to remove the shortcomings they’ve identified and accepted in the previous steps. Any defects removed must be replaced with humility—this step involves a commitment to honesty.
If anyone had a problem with honesty, it was King Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
“We were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character.” – Life Recovery Step Six
If someone is stuck in addiction and wants to be free finally, what’s the one thing that God requires from them? Humility.
Oswald Chambers, the early twentieth-century preacher and theologian described humility as “the great characteristic of a saint.”
But many people who struggle with unhealthy habits have a hard time with humility. They believe they must do everything perfectly to recover from addiction and stay sober. But this type of perfectionistic thinking can be overwhelming—it makes individuals think they must do everything themselves and do it perfectly, or they will quit altogether. Instead of doing recovery perfectly all by oneself, Step Six requires humility because one must be “ready to have God remove these defects of character.” (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
When you think of power, what comes to mind? Greed? Control? Manipulation? There’s a power that is Christ-like and has the ability and the opportunity to change your life. That power is humility.
Humility allows us to have a life-giving impact or influence on other’s lives. Humility is a radical commitment to discovering the truth. Someone who is humble recognizes the truth about themselves. If we aren’t humble, we can become prideful and react out of fear. Pride says:
- “I don’t have a problem.”
- “I can do it all on my own.”
- “All I need is willpower.“
- “Nobody can help me.” (more…)
