Hey Partners & Friends,
Here is an interesting question to think about. What do you do every day? Think about it.
As for myself I brush my teeth, shave, take a shower, get dressed, coffee (I’ve got to have coffee) eat a small breakfast, an egg and a couple slices of bacon or a breakfast bar. After these rituals, habits, necessities whatever you want to call them, my days become very diverse in terms of activities, sometimes the day blows totally up, sometimes they are fun, and/or exciting, sometimes they can be kind of a drag, like when I have to mow, I hate to mow. Anyway here’s the point. The things I do every day are the things that should prepare me for whatever that day has in store.
One thing I forgot to mention that I am committed to do every day, is described in Celebrate Recovery Principle 7.
“Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will.”
The emphasis on the word “daily”. Needless to say this is more important than all the rest of those things put together. I mean really, how important is it to meet with God compared to anything else on my schedule? I get to know God better, examine my life and identify areas where I may be off track with His will, read His Word and pray so I can know His will for me and actually gain the power to follow His will.
Notice the different parts of this daily reservation with God. Almost all Christian based organizations advocate a daily quiet time of prayer and bible reading which is a vital discipline for maturing in the Lord. But at CR we deliberately add a time for self-examination. A time where we intentionally look for areas where we may be off base somehow. Possibly holding on to some resentment toward someone. Perhaps we have offended or hurt someone else. We look for areas where we may be in denial, justifying destructive behavior and sin.
It’s basically Step 10 of the 12 Steps “We continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong promptly admit it.” This addition of self-examination to prayer and bible reading is incredibly productive. It is a huge help in preventing relapse. Scripture advocates the practice of self-examination,
“So if you thinking you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12
Keep your accounts with God and others short and live life to the full!
Celebrating Recovery Every Day, Jim & Pam