Consecrate my talents for good…what does that really mean? I know in the Church we’re encouraged to share our talents and help spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but how does the law of consecration apply to working Step 12 in the addiction recovery program?
Does the law of consecration apply to addiction recovery?
I feel that yes, it does apply. Working Step 12 is all about helping other addicts find what I have found. I looked up law of consecration at LDS.org and found this definition:
To dedicate, to make holy, or to become righteous. The law of consecration is a divine principle whereby men and women voluntarily dedicate their time, talents, and material wealth to the establishment and building up of God’s kingdom.
To dedicate.
To make holy.
To become righteous.
To voluntarily dedicate time, talents and material wealth to the establishment and building up of God’s kingdom.
So, what are things I can do to dedicate, make holy, become righteous, and give of time, talents and material wealth in order to help recovering addicts?
I’m going to brainstorm and then come back:
- promote the discussion group via reaching out to groups I know already exist
- get more people involved in the discussion group
- reach out to people like Adam Moore and get them involved in the group
- study from the best books about recovery
- compile a list of questions from people in the groups
- sponsor guys who need a sponsor
- speak at events as the opportunity arises
- volunteer to help more with SA-Lifeline
- write more
The one thing I don’t want to happen is that I get so caught up in recovery work that I lose priority on work and other important things.
Nor do I want to set all these goals and then, when I don’t accomplish them all, I swoop the other way and fall into “shoulding on myself.”
Balance is the answer I feel.
How do I find balance, though?
A better question is, how do I find out what the will of God is for me today and then do it consistently one day at a time?
I found this answer again in the White Book (p. 210):
We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.
Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.
I really like this advise.
Prayer, meditation, surrender, asking what His will is for me in the present moment, and then having the courage to DO IT.
I really like this from the White Book too:
Sexaholics Anonymous is for those who know they have no other option but to stop, and their own enlightened self-interest must tell them this.
I have no other option. I must stop and stay stopped or I will lose all that’s most important to me. Nothing else is more important than recovery.
This is it for now.
Nate
I’ve talked about this in group recently, but I believe part of consecration is being present in the moment in whatever activity your engaged in. This is particularly true in human relationships. If your mind has been hijacked by lust, you cannot give yourself fully to your relationships. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my relationships with my wife and kids when my mind is clear and I can focus with all of my energy on them.
Great observation Brad. I’ve felt that too – if I’m not present and am thinking ahead or in the past or I’m numbing out or stuffing feelings, it’s hard to connect with anyone: my wife, kids, even God. If I can’t connect with others, I can’t really consecrate anything either.
Thanks for the comment!