An autonomous person is someone who is capable of making an informed decision about something on their own without having the input of another. Tradition 4 of Alcoholics Anonymous states: Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole. This is a principle to be put into practice at the group level but has lessons for our individual recovery as well. We are encouraged to express our individual uniqueness “except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole.” (Twelve By Twelve page 146)
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him, for the Lord is your life. (Proverbs 14:12, Deuteronomy 30:19-20a NIV)
The founders of AA were willing to trust groups to rely on their collective conscience as a guide to action. It was a courageous choice and offered huge freedom to groups – even the freedom to get things wrong.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to humbly surrender all that I think and do to Your guidance. I want my life to be shaped by Your wisdom, so my choices do not negatively impact others. Amen
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