We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
The word “entered” . . . and the phrase “entered into the world of the Spirit” are very significant. They imply action, a beginning, getting into, a prerequisite to maintaining my spiritual growth, the “Spirit” being the immaterial part of me. Barriers to my spiritual growth are self-centeredness and a materialistic focus on worldly things. Spirituality means devotion to spiritual rather than worldly things, it means obedience to God’s will for me. I understand spiritual things to be: unconditional love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control and humility. Any time I allow selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear to be a part of me, I block out spiritual things. As I maintain my sobriety, growing spiritually becomes a lifelong process. My goal is spiritual growth, accepting that I’ll never have spiritual perfection.
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Wow! That nailed it. That said it all. The door has been opened to me, and I have entered. I will continue, I dare not stop or turn around. Retreating is relapse, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally.
It’s hard to leave the old room(house); to leave the comfortable habits and ways of thinking and, and, and.
It’s scary. I don’t know what to expect, except that I must fully rely on God! That is so hard to do when I have been in the drivers seat so long. With bucket seats in my car (life), I can’t just slide over as with the old bench seats. I have to get out of the car – frightening. I have to walk around the car – Open the passenger seat and enter. When I sit down I should buckle the safety belt. Accidents can happen.
Pray – for each other – ask God to help each of us as we struggle in new life. The page might be turned but we have to read what that new page says to us.!
Grace, and Peace – Bob E.
Peace Bob E. Loved the analogy of the car.