Stupid Simple

TRUTH

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭19

REFLECTION

I’m looking for permanence.

I was not interested in fleeting sobriety when I finally got serious about straightening up.

I was not interested in religious platitudes when I finally came back to the faith.

I want some meat on the bones. I want the full measure. I want to live with assurance.

I realized, as I was beginning this new way of life, that I had flown far off course by doing some simple things.

Stupid and simple things.

Dishonesty had eroded my relationships and my spiritual life.

I’d become caught up in the little snares of daily living that begged for simple truths but that I fed easy lies.

At first, either is easy enough—truth or lie. But as the habit develops, the lie becomes the default and the truth becomes clouded.

The real issue begins when we believe our own lies.

This wasn’t even overt for me. It was mostly in the small deceits that I held to lying. But it doesn’t matter. The attitude of deceit became the default of my days.

I became untethered. Deceit only works momentarily. It does nothing for the long-term. It relies on no one. It’s lonely.

Honesty is the first component in our new life.

Honesty with self immediately—that I’ve got a problem.

Honesty with God—that there’s a better way to live.

Honesty with others—that I make things right.

Honesty with self long-term—that resign to live fully each day while looking ahead into eternity.

God, show me truth.

SPONSOR

Reflection and gratitude are invaluable in recovery. Gratitude Plus is a social gratitude journal with an anonymous global feed. Try Gratitude Plus now.

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
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