Carried By His Wings© -- Sexual Purity Recovery

Wings Devotional Recovery ... April 14, 2008

Step Four -- Just For Today-- Objectivity

Step Four: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

"They comfort the melancholy one by first showing him that his case is not strange or different, that his character defects are probably not more numerous or worse than those of anyone else in AA.  This the sponsor promptly proves by talking freely and easily, and without exhibitionism, about his own defects, past and present.  This calm, yet realistic, stocktaking is immensely reassuring.  The sponsor probably points out that the newcomer has some assets which can be noted along with his liabilities.  This tends to clear away morbidity and encourage balance.  As soon as he begins to be more objective, the newcomer can fearlessly, rather than fearfully, look at his own defects."

© 1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 46 Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. Just For Today is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated, nor affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.

Wings Devotional© Daily Meditation Translation

is property of Wings Of Eagles Recovery©

Just for Today -- A Daily Devotional

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What makes us so shocked or sad to see our flaws?  I think it is that we are not willing or humble enough to admit that we are not perfect.  The world pressure makes us think we have to be the smartest, the slimmest, the fastest, etc., and when we don't measure up to the perfect standards we become sad.  We are inundated with messages of being the best, and none of us can measure up to that.

So the beauty of performing Step Four is that we are not alone.  In our recovery group, we are hearing of the imperfections of people who are sharing their character flaws freely without guilt or shame, and they are making it. 

Step Four should be worked with your sponsor, so you can see the reality of yourself and that you are not alone in your defects, be they from the past or the ones today.  A sponsor will also remind you that in your character there are many good things, it is just at the point in our addiction when we become hopeless and turn our lives over to God that the defects seem prominent.

Remember to work your Step Four in humility, honesty and most of all in listing those great things that you have to offer as well.  And if you really struggle with find good things remember that God knows exactly how you are and He loves you right where you are that way.  He will continue to grow you and help you change each day

Psalm 139:1-3

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
 and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
 you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
 you are familiar with all my ways.

* As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

·        greater personal discipline,

·        worldwide persecuted Christians,

·        Hedge of protection to our children

·        Blessings to our spouses

·        Godly men in Government

·        Rest and Peace to our pastors

·        Your activities for the day.

Love One Another

Stand Together

Fight this war, no matter the cost

Pray for our children

Turn our hearts toward heaven

Seek to be one nation under God.

God Bless and Guide You in your Christian Walk Today

“The Lord bless you and keep you,
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
-- Numbers 6:24-27

You can help when no one else can."
  -- c. 2001, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89
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