Going back to the BB and reading the chapter Into Action, there are a couple of things, which adds a lot to what I’m supposed to be doing, in order to stay sober. It was this that got me thinking earlier and later today. Especially that sentence, faith without works is dead.
Of course this chapter is followed by Working With Others. A reminder to me that this is an action program. Another way of putting it for an alcoholic like me is to do what is appropriate. And what’s appropriate is to stay sober and help another alcoholic.
This is what this program is about. A spiritual way of life. Like the Ninth Step states, that the spiritual life is not a theory, it has to be lived. And living it requires that I do the next right thing. It doesn’t matter what I think or how I feel. It’s what I do.
When it comes to working with another alcoholic, of course the new man or woman is very important. However, I think the sober alcoholics in this program are just as important. How’s that? In my mind I think that it is part of why I’m here. What I was given by those old timers. They emphasized how this program works and were given over to reminding people like myself why I was here and what I needed to do to stay sober and how to do that. To me that is what meetings are all about.
I like being sober and what I have been given. In fact, I love it. As I have heard so many say, this is the best thing that ever happened to me. I owe all of this to my higher power and the many men and women, who have shared their experience, strength, and hope with me. As often is said, I am bound to give to others, what was so freely given to me. If I believe in this program, it is up to me to do the next right thing. The action necessary. To give of myself to others.
There is one thing I also think about on this subject. Not everyone is able to actually get out and share with others for any number of reasons. I believe that, because my experience with so many members in this program has demonstrated that. Each of us has our own strengths and abilities. The action any of us takes is between us and our higher power. Our sponsors are aware of this and of great help to guide us in our efforts, whatever they might be.
All I know, as I think about all of this, is what I learned over time and what my sponsor and others have given me guidance as to what is necessary to stay sober and live a sober life. It’s about the maintenance of my spiritual condition.
If I truly believe in this program, I will do something. Take some action. Anyway, this is what I was thinking.