Spirtual Awaking vs Sobriety

Thirty years ago hardly anybody ever talked about WORKING the steps. Sobriety is a gift freely given by the grace of a loving God. Do you know what a gift is? A gift doesn't have to be worked for. By definition a gift can't be worked for. If I could work for and gain sobriety then sobriety wouldn't BE a gift; I would have EARNED it and I would then maybe deserve it.>> grampalectronics

You've got much to learn about Alcoholics Anonymous, I see. There is nothing in the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous about sobriety being a "gift". Where did you pick that up? Meetings?

Do you know why this is? Like many who are unfamiliar with the Program of AA, apparently you are of the impression that the Twelve Steps are worked for a goal of sobriety. You are wrong!

The only result of the Twelve Steps is to have a spiritual awakening, not sobriety!

You may know something of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous - but the actual Program? - Not so much. We "WORK" at having a spiritual awakening and we continue to "work" to maintain our spiritual fitness. Sobriety is a "given" - hence it could be said a "gift" if you like to use that word. Nothing is EVER mentioned in the Program of AA about sobriety being a gift out of "working the step".

Just look at step twelve: "12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." The result of these steps that we can expect IS NOT SOBRIETY. It is to have a spiritual awakening. Surprise surprise surprise!

Granted, we do find sentences like this in the Program, "This work is necessary to maintain his sobriety" , but as we go along we discover that sobriety is a consequence of having had a spiritual awakening NOT "Taking the steps" or in this case doing the "necessary work". They are speaking of Step Twelve - "carrying this message" on a continuing basis in order to "Maintain" sobriety - not to "Get" sober.

Be careful when you repeat stuff you hear in the meeting rooms. It is much better to experience recovery and THEN talk of your experience. THAT is where our credibility comes from - Not parroting "Meeting-speak" which is very dangerous to the newcomer my "middle-of-the-road solutions" friend.

Peace,

Danny S