12 STEPS to Recovery — STEP #12
Focus on the Recovery Process
Perhaps the greatest blessing that comes from working a program of recovery is not sobriety from mood-altering substances or freedom from other compulsions such as controlling, people pleasing, work, food, or sex, but rather a real, living connection with God. Step 12 calls this a “spiritual awakening” and this term aptly describes the process of moving from the spiritual bankruptcy characteristic of active addiction to the place of intimacy with God that is a core element of recovery. This intimacy springs from gratitude for knowing God’s love as manifested on the cross. Jesus’ death and resurrection makes it possible for the addict to live in the freedom from slavery (Romans 6) and in the newness of life that characterize the Christian rebirth experience.
It’s no wonder that addicts are compelled to “carry this message” to others, for it truly is good news. The message is one of personal experience of having been and continuing to be delivered moment-by-moment from the sin and death of an addict life. We feel compelled to tell others how they too can find the freedom that we have. We continue to attend meetings so that we can share our experience, strength and hope with others. As we continue to grow, we share our process with others not driven by a need to “fix” them but rather that they might come to know the love of God which passes understanding (Ephesians 3).
Every part of our lives is changed through recovery as “we practice these principles in all our affairs.” This is both a conscious and unconscious process. We are daily faced with decisions about how to live. These decisions can be costly in terms of time and inconvenience, but gratitude for what we have received leads to self-sacrifice. Soon, this life and selflessness simply becomes a part of us. We do good because we have habitually invited God to inhabit us, and he is now, with our permission, living his life out in and through us in every aspect of our lives. Who would not be attracted to this life of recovery.
David Sedlacek