There is no satisfaction in a partially committed life in recovery. Fulfillment does not come from picking and choosing what we will have, and what we will not have. Fulfillment comes from a God-directed life where His commandments are obeyed wholeheartedly. The consequences of disobedience are clearly outlined in the Bible. Failure to stay away from all types of harmful behaviour weakens us spiritually and makes us vulnerable to attacks that keep us from experiencing the freedom that God intends for us to have. New life comes when we willingly let go of our old ways.
The founders of AA who wrote "The Big Book" understood this when they wrote: "Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His (God's) protection and care with complete abandon ….. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not. With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely." (Big Book p.58)
The Bible describes this same principle this way: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. (Romans 13:10, 12 NLT)
Life with God in recovery requires an individual to be thorough in both their willingness to change and in their actions. At all times, with family members and friends, in all our affairs, we must strive to obey God and consistently practice recovery principles. This includes dealing with the issues of our hearts as well as our visible behaviour. Half measures lead to relapse and more suffering for ourselves and those who care for us. Let us be fearless and thorough today. Prayer – Heavenly Father, My desire is to make healthy choices that will result in a purposeful life. Help me to wholeheartedly live in a way that pleases you. AMEN
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