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
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