STEP THREE
by Holistic Lifestyles Radio on Aug.25, 2010, under Home
HOW DO WE TURN OUR WILL AND LIVES OVER TO THE “CARE” OF GOD?
“I was to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for – direction and strength - to FACE and MEET my problems as He would have me do. Never – was I to pray for myself – except as my requests bore on my – usefulness to others. Then only might I expect to receive. But that would be – in great measure.” (A.A. Page 13)
THIRD STEP PRAYER
“God, I offer myself to thee, to make with me, and to do with me, what you will.”
Does this mean that we should – get out of the “driver’s seat”- and ask God become our – chauffeur?
Does this mean that God is a puppet master, and we should ask Him to make us one of His – puppets?
Does this mean we surrender our responsibility – for using the brains God gave us – to make decisions?
WHAT WAS BILL WILSON’S VIEW ON STEP THREE?
Human beings are supposed to – think and act. We weren’t made in God’s image to be – robots. My own formula along this line runs as follows:
First: I THINK through every situation – pro and con, praying meanwhile that I not be influenced by ego
considerations. I affirm – that I would like to do God’s will.
Second: Having tried to solve the problem by – using the brain God gave me to use - and getting no conclusive or
compelling answer, I WAIT for further guidance. This guidance may come from:
- An intuitive thought or idea
- Other people
- Circumstances
Third: If I feel I can’t wait, and still get no definite indication, I repeat the first measure – several times, and then
CHOOSE what I believe to be the best alternative. Then, I ACT. If I discover that I am moving in the wrong
direction, I make a U TURN, and try to – learn the lesson – from the experience. (As Bill Sees It – Page 55)
“We cannot wholly rely on friends to solve all our difficulties. A good sponsor or advisor will NEVER do all our thinking for us. They know that – each final choice – must be ours. What they can do is help us eliminate – fear, expediency, and self-deception. They can ‘enable’ us – to make choices – which are loving, wise, and honest.”
(As Bill Sees It – Page 83)
As a group, the original members of A.A. described themselves in this way:
“We were DRIVEN by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking and self pity.” (A.A. Page 62)
“Alcoholics are EXTREME examples of –self-will run riot – though they usually don’t think so.” (A.A. Page 62)
When we arrive at A.A. or N.A. we’re told that we have to get OUT of the “driver’s” seat. This is a MYTH because while active in our addiction we are – extreme – examples of self-will run riot; we’re DRIVEN by obsessive thoughts, compulsive feelings, and physical craving. We were NEVER “in” the driver’s seat.
I AM RESPONSIBLE means – I am willing to – get IN the driver’s seat.
I am willing to – accept RESPONSIBILITY for my life.
I then ask or pray for – guidance and direction – from God, my sponsor, or friends in recovery.
Then – I ACT.
Namaste, (The light in me “honors” the light in you.)
Jack
Call 877-799-8773 for more information
