“The spiritual life is not theory. We have to live it. Unless one’s family expresses a desire to live upon spiritual principles, we think we ought not to urge them. We should not talk incessantly to them about spiritual matters. They will change in time. Our behavior will convince them more than our words.”
– Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 6, p 83.
Today, if called on to 12th-Step a prospect, I will not hammer the Program’s spiritual aspect if the topic seems to push away rather than draw the prospect into the Fellowship. Should the prospect who is weary of spirituality subsequently embrace the Program and find sobriety, the words of the Big Book ring true: “(Spiritual awareness) will change in time,” just as it did for me. Paraphrasing the saying that I was born of the Spirit but was taught religion, let me understand that others, like me, also may tie the two together – religion and spirituality – but that the tools of the Program will lead them to their own understanding of a Higher Power just as the tools of the Program led me to my understanding. Today, if spirituality cannot be discussed with a potential member, let my actions speak louder than my words. And our common journey continues.
Today, if called on to 12th-Step a prospect, I will not hammer the Program’s spiritual aspect if the topic seems to push away rather than draw the prospect into the Fellowship. Should the prospect who is weary of spirituality subsequently embrace the Program and find sobriety, the words of the Big Book ring true: “(Spiritual awareness) will change in time,” just as it did for me. Paraphrasing the saying that I was born of the Spirit but was taught religion, let me understand that others, like me, also may tie the two together – religion and spirituality – but that the tools of the Program will lead them to their own understanding of a Higher Power just as the tools of the Program led me to my understanding. Today, if spirituality cannot be discussed with a potential member, let my actions speak louder than my words. And our common journey continues.
Step by step. – Chris M.
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