An Advanced Class by Vince Jones
In sports or cooking this may be applicable but spiritually this is nonsense. You are either on the path or not. Additionally, to believe that since one has been on the path for a time that conditions or requirements for continued spiritual growth have changed can lead to spiritual pride, a sense of entitlement and destructive righteousness in demonstration. This can lead to suffering for anyone who falls into this trap.
An Advanced Class
Ever hear someone say they were “getting back to fundamentals”?
In God’s eyes all are equal, regardless of their earthly crimes or demonstrations. God does not play favorites or mete out punishment. The demonstration is ours. We reap as we sow. The man or woman who chooses to live a life bereft of spiritual principles is loved by God in equal measure as those who have dedicated their lives to the path. The difference is the individuals connection to the source, not the sources connection to the individual.
The person who has embraced Living on the Spiritual Basis has done the footwork, put the time in “working out”, exercising their spiritual muscles so when (not if) trouble or a difficulty arises they are prepared. There are no atheists in a foxhole. When faced with death , theirs or a loved ones, or any of the life changing moments that are part of living those who have eschewed the path are faced with the question they can no longer evade: God is either everything or else He is nothing. When an individual reaches this turning point they will either start up the mountain of enlightenment or bury their head in the sand (drugs, alcohol, blame, etc) trying to blot out the truth.
We become mountain climbers as soon as we place our feet on the mountain, this doesn’t mean we are experienced or prepared to attempt greater heights. It requires time and consistent dedication to become an experienced mountain climber .Just as in mountain climbing, if you get away from fundamentals in spiritual pursuits, then great can be the fall.
Our existence is a moment in parentheses. ETERNITY(birth-life-death)ETERNITY.
Having embraced Living on the Spiritual Basis we know the truth: we are not this body. The blink of time spent in this flesh should be placed in its proper perspective. The only advanced class is our willingness to share and to teach the fundamentals we practice daily with those starting up the mountain in earnest.
- 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.
Vince Jones is our popular Monday night lecturer who is passionate about recovery and helps our clients achieve a spiritual change to strengthen their new life of sobriety that they begin at our rehab facilities. If you enjoy this message of spirituality then you may be interested in our Celebrate Recovery Christian Treatment Program. All programs have access to Vince's message, and there is a very strong spiritual and religious component to the treatment men receive at Sunrise RanchTreatment For Addiction in Riverside as well.
BIO: 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.
