When we come to Step-6 of the 12-Step program, we have admitted the exact nature of our wrongs to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, and are now entirely ready to have God remove our defects of character. If we have been honest in our inventory we will feel a sense of excitement as we let go of what we don’t want in our lives and look forward to what God will bring about in our lives as we walk in His ways. In the Bible story of Jesus calling Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus came out of the tomb in grave clothes and Jesus told the people around Him to free Lazarus from these clothes and let Him go.
Lazarus is a picture of where we are at in Step-6. Our defective nature deadened us to the ways of God but now we are entirely ready to have God remove what hinders our new life with Him in recovery. Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave the people around him needed to take off the grave clothes so he could move freely. Jesus, by His redeeming work on the cross made it possible for us to be “born again” to a new life. Those around us who have been walking the recovery road are the ones who will help us get rid of those things that cause us to stumble in our newly given life.
You were taught not to live the way you used to. You must get rid of your old way of life. That’s because it has been made impure by the desire for things that lead you astray. You were taught to be made new in your thinking. You were taught to start living a new life. (Ephesians 4:22-24a NIRV)
In 12-Step meetings we encounter people who are willing to share their experience, strength, and hope with us. They will inspire us to get rid of our old ways and to put on the new nature that God has given us to enable us to live the life He has called us to.
Prayer: Gracious God, Help me to remove everything that would hinder me from running the race You have set before me. Amen
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