It has come to my attention during the past couple of weeks the need for deeper self-examination, disclosure and 'fearless inventory'. Contrary to what I prefer, 4th Step inventory (along with daily 10th Step work) should be an ongoing process. Honestly, I am seeing some things 'creep in' that are disturbing...and behaviors that need to be addressed. In essence, I am IN recovery ... not GRADUATED FROM recovery.With this in mind, I want to journal my process of 're-working' a 4th step using a guide that helps me visualize the process. It is not based on original ideas, but compiled from my readings during the past few years. The particular method has 5 guiding principles that serve as a backbone to the action that I must take:
- Honest Assessment and Evaluation
- Identification of what blocks us from God
- Diagnosis of our injuries and wounds
- Exposure of all root issues
- Treatment of our 'pathology'
This looks a bit like medical terminology because of my background and the fact that this process is 'used' on us each time we go to a doctor with a medical condition or sickness (pathology). In addition, this method also considers the OXFORD GROUP original tenets that were utilized by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob in the early days of AA. These include:
- Surrender
- Confession
- Restitution
- Guidance
- Witnessing
- The '4 Absolutes' (Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness and Love)
As I move forward, it is important to realize that the desired outcome is transformation of character and this is not an 'exercise' in accumulating self-knowledge. Hopefully, "the TRUTH will set me free" as He exposes the realities in my life.
Lane
1 comment:
The church dare not speak on character for fear of loosing the masses, yet this change of character is the doorway to healing and true life.
Hard life? Sure
Getting into a ditch? You bet
Want to run back to "Egypt"? Don't you know it.
We want a fuzzy-bump-make-me-feel-good-and-require-nothing-from-me religion. Here again, we seek to create God in our image.
mb
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