Beginning January 7,
2020 , we continue moving through the 12 Steps, picking up with Step
4 and the personal inventory. This semester we are giving extra attention to the
addiction of co-dependency; that doesn’t mean others are being neglected!
We are also continuing to come alongside the family members and
friends of those struggling with addiction, which is one of the reasons for our
discussions of codependency.
Many people avoid, ignore, or stop when it comes to Step 4
and this is a tragedy. Step 4 is nothing to fear or avoid as that is where
things really begin to change in your mind, heart and life. Around here we stress
that any inventory, Step 4 or 10 or whatever, must be led by the Holy Spirit.
Otherwise it is nothing more than our own thoughts and wisdom, and if you are
like me, my thoughts and wisdom are often pretty messed up. It can’t be my
understanding or wisdom that directs the inventory, it must the One who knows
all things and intercedes for us with words that cannot be spoken: the Spirit
of God. Learning to yield to the Holy Spirit as He reveals truth about
ourselves and our situations is a freeing endeavor and something to get excited
about, not to fear.
I hope to see you and your family members and friends as we
celebrate recovery together.
Pastor Mark
