Faith without works is dead. That’s what the BB tells us and it’s true, as far as I’m concerned. Without action this program stops within us. It’s kind of like a lake, which has been dammed up. The water becomes stagnant and covered with algae and slime.
The BB tells us that in order to keep what we have received from this program that we have to give it away. We can’t be like that lake all dammed up. What we are given must flow through us to another alcoholic in need of the message that there is a solution.
I often think about this in the morning, when I say the Third Step prayer. To be open to others and to be an example of what this program has offered me. If I want to stay sober, and that’s much more than not drinking, I have to be willing to at least try to carry the message to the sick and suffering alcoholic. Not just the new man or woman coming in, but sometimes those old timers, who seemed to have lost their way. Usually from pride and self centered thinking, which blocks them from finding the solution.
Of course, I think about the solution I have found at the same time. The solution, which is spiritual. Founded on faith in a higher power; the group and the God of my understanding. Seeking a conscious contact with God and trying to do what I believe is His will for me. Often fumbling and bumbling in the process and achieving less than I could. In other words failing and falling flat on my face in attempting to do so.
However that’s why I need others around me. To help pick me up and get me on the way again. How often in the past I have stumbled and some old timer or my sponsor would dust me off and send me back to try again. Hopefully I’ve learned not to get discouraged by my defects of fear, anger, selfishness, and pride.
I’ve learned that sobriety is a process and not an event. I may not be drinking, but like I said, sobriety is not only physical, it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s progress and not perfection.
Everyday I have a chance to do better than before. The question is, am I willing? And when I find I’m not, there’s always the moment, when I can ask for the willingness to be willing. When I do, the moment comes when willingness returns. All I have to do is to stop and ask for help.
Anyway, I was glancing through the BB this evening, when I once again had that statement, faith without works is dead, hit me right between the eyes. In order to stay sober, I have to listen and follow the directions I received in order to achieve the solution. That through faith in a higher power, I could be restored to sanity. Everything I have followed from there. And each day I am sober is just another opportunity to take action. Keeping my sobriety by giving it away.