A New Birth by Vince Jones
The 3rd step in the 12 step path of enlightenment asks us “to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God’ with the proviso “as we understand Him.” This phrase is pivotal to the process, so the student must not take the easy way out. I have heard individuals refer to “God” as they understand Him as a doorknob, a tree, the ocean or some other nonsensical thing or object.
Nonsense: n. 1. That which is without good sense; meaningless or ridiculous language. 2. Things of no importance.
To believe that “God” can be anything relegates god to being nothing. “God is either everything or else He is nothing.” What is our choice to be? If you are struggling with the concept “of a Power greater than ourselves” you can start at a simpler level. To truly set ones feet on the path to living on the Spiritual Basis God must be at least this:Available, Intelligent and Loving and nothing less.
Available: to live on the Spiritual Basis requires daily visits with God in prayer and meditation. How is this possible if He is unavailable?
Intelligent: He is the Creator, the source. What more do you need to know?
Loving: Here I would ask you to set aside any belief you may have of a vengeful or score keeper God. One of the keys to living on the Spiritual Basis is that “the realm of Heaven is roomy, all inclusive. Never exclusive or forbidding.” God never brings trouble or sickness to our lives, He loves us a thousand times more than we love our own children (and I love my children a lot).
Additionally, God doesn’t keep a tally sheet. I do. Everything I have ever done or said is written on my heart and is and always has been, even though I tried to deny this in the past, an open book to Him who has all knowledge and power; yet because He loves unconditionally we are forgiven as soon as we ask, we still need to clean up the wreckage of the past, but we are not being punished. So, if you are struggling, start at a simpler level and God will heal what AILs you.
- Vince Jones, Sober Living by the Sea Lecturer
See Vince Jones' Blog Thought For the Day to read more of his thoughts about AA and recovery.
BIO:In the mid 1930’s; for the first time in human history, a solution to the age old riddle of alcoholism surfaced. What set this approach apart was the discovery that someone in recovery speaking from the heart could accomplish more with a sufferer in a few minutes than clergy or medical professionals had in years. By the end of the 1930’s a new book was launched chronicling the truths of recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous burst on the world stage. Early recovery rates were above 50% and a movement was born. Recovery rates remained high into the 1960’s when Alcoholics Anonymous began to change. Less impedance was placed on the steps and service and more on feelings. Today recovery rates are pegged at 10% or less. Fifteen years ago I developed a teaching curriculum that emphasizes a return to the roots of the process, to recapture the early success rates. I have worked with over a thousand individuals in the ensuing years and though I was sure at the beginning, I am convinced today that those early success rates can be recaptured for I have seen it happen. Additionally the principles will work for any who are suffering if they are willing, honest and remain open minded. As well as teaching these principles at Sober Living By The Sea I teach them to at risk High School students.
