As I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?” (Alma 32:14).
Most of us came to recovery meetings in desperation, driven by the consequences of our addictions. We were compelled to be humble. The humility described in step 7, however, has a different cause. It is voluntary. It is the result of your own choice to humble yourself. How have your feelings of humility changed since you started recovery?
First off, I think I really understand humility a lot more. I realize that to show humility is to submit my will over to God and let Him direct my path. Humility ISN’T not being confident, or being quiet, or the other characteristics some may think it is. Humility is admitting that I can’t do this on my own and that I need the help of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
I think humility is also about doing self assessment, asking myself, “How did I get the ball rolling?” with whatever situation I’m in. It’s easy to blame others for my mistakes – this is pride. Humility is taking full responsibility for my actions and recognizing there are always things I can do different to get different outcomes.
One of the most important ways I feel I can show humility is by having a constant prayer in my heart. By doing this, I’m showing God that I’m relying on Him to help me – I’m recognizing that I can’t do this on my own.
I’m sure my understanding of humility will increase as I work the 7th Step and pray for guidance.
I feel one of the things I can do better with submitting my will to God and being humble is consistent personal prayer.
i feel my “Heavenly Father, I need your help” prayers have really helped me; however, I feel I lack giving thanks and recognizing His hand in all the things I’ve been giving.
I feel I can also ask for help in other things, other than my addictions. I feel I can have better conversations with my Father and let Him know the true desires of my heart. I feel there is room for improvement – it’s all about what my priorities are.
I feel it’s been helpful to set goals for writing in my journal, but I have to be careful about WHY I’m writing in my journal. I feel it needs to be most about sharing my feelings with myself and God, not about just checking something off a list.
I look forward to reviewing more of the Step 7 questions and my answers.
It’s good to go back and review all this again. I’m grateful to be making a bit of progress and recognizing areas that I need to improve in with the help of the Savior.
Personal Prayer, asking God each day what He would have me do – these are ways to show my humility.
I’m grateful that Jesus gave His life for me and has shown me the way via His example. I’m grateful to have the program to guide me along a path of full recovery from addiction. I know the program is another way to show humility, as long as, when I get there, I don’t start comparing myself to others.
Hasta manana!
Nate