Re-tread

TRUTH

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.

Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭23

REFLECTION

The early days of newfound sobriety are as teachable as they get.

Pretty soon, we begin to stiffen again. We harden against instruction before it has a chance to do its work.

We don’t give things long enough.

This is a holdover from our addiction—this immediacy that we are usually seeking and demanding.

The pace of modern culture doesn’t help things. We are inundated with quick fixes, time savers and templatized hacks every day.

It would be neat if there were a quick fix for addiction. But the life change, the attitude readjustment, the outlook, the rearrangement of ideals that we are after requires persistent, daily effort to achieve its end.

We can feel like we’re bouncing between the gutters—overcorrecting at every turn. Let the discipline of truth do its work, though.

It’s a bumpy ride. But we can make progress even so if we stick with it.

Some have the benefit of deep-rooted good teachings embedded from as far back as childhood. Great! Turn back to these. Lean on them. Interrogate how they can meld with the new path of sobriety you are seeking.

Others will be forging ahead with only the present wisdom from trusted friends, newfound acquaintances and professionals. Stick close to the truths laid before you.

The path forward is no different either way—trust God, clean house, help others.

God, give me ears to hear the truths of discipline.

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NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
Contact on LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.