Topic for thought

Three weeks ago we started travelling what is probably the most difficult stage of the journey, Step 4. We have been examining some of the entrenched, long-standing resentments and grudges we are holding – along with other character defects - and how they have affected both ourselves and our relationship with others. Last week we looked at how Step 5 frees us from the things in our lives that are enslaving us. When we bring into the light those things we have meticulously shrouded in darkness all our lives they lose their power over us. For most people Step 5 has a deeply energising effect.

This week we are tackling Step 6, which is all about being ready to voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life.

The Issue

The purpose of Step 6 is to get ready to have God remove all our character defects. He will probably do this one defect at a time rather than all in one go, and He will do this in partnership with you. He has given you free will to choose which path to take – He will not force you. We need to be ready and willing to let God make the changes.

The Goals

On completion of Step 6 we should be able to...

• Realise that I can change

• Realise that I can overcome any obstacle that gets in my way

• Realise that God can remove all my shortcomings

• Realise that to change all I have to do is give God my permission to make those changes

• Realise that God is the only hope of change happening