A WORLD OF THE SPIRIT
Daily reflections - March 13
We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
The word "entered" . . . and the phrase "entered into the world of the Spirit" are very significant. They imply action, a beginning, getting into, a prerequisite to maintaining my spiritual growth, the "Spirit" being the immaterial part of me. Barriers to my spiritual growth are self-centeredness and a materialistic focus on worldly things. Spirituality means devotion to spiritual instead of worldly things, it means obedience to God's will for me. I understand spiritual things to be: unconditional love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control and humility. Any time I allow selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear to be a part of me, I block out spiritual things. As I maintain my sobriety, growing spiritually becomes a lifelong process. My goal is spiritual growth, accepting that I'll never have spiritual perfection.
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This daily reflection is
This daily reflection is right on target for me today. I am definitely working on my spiritual growth as I am on steps 6 & 7. One of my biggest defects is self-centeredness and I have asked God to remove this from my character. I also start every day with the thought of 'no expectations' from people, places or things. This has made a tremendous difference in my view of the world and how I live my life. 'A materialistic focus on worldly things' is something I thought was just a cute part of my personality(i like to buy things - insert laugh). It's not, it's a serious defect and could definitely be blocking me from completely connecting with my god. I need to be able to hear what he wants me to do. I recently attended a meeting where someone shared that spiritual growth, for them, means action. The action of being in service to others is a direct line to your higher power. That thought really resonated with me and I think maybe god was speaking to me through her. 'Get out of yourself and you will hear my message for you.'
Linda C