The Twelve Steps which are actually 12 spiritual steps that can help anyone in any stage of life. I have included a possible Biblical reference for each one, if you are interested. The 12 step program does not align itself with any specific faith or religion as it's spiritual principles reflect the basic spiritual teachings of all major religions. Those of us who choose to work the program trust the God of our understanding.
Celebrate Recovery is another path many choose to follow. It is specifically is based on the 8 Beatitudes from the Sermon on The Mount, found in Matthew 5. Note how the 12 steps and the Be-attitudes are closely aligned. The ultimate goal for both programs is to have these spiritual principles move from our mind into our heart, where they unconsciously influence our daily lives.
Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do wrong and that my life is unmanageable.
(Step 1) “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.
Earnestly believe that God exist, that I matter to Him and that he has the power to help me recover.
(Step 2) “Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.
(Step 3) “Happy are the meek.”
Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
(Steps 4 and 5) “Happy are the pure in heart.”
Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects.
(Steps 6 and 7) “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.”
Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others
(Steps 8 and 9) “Happy are the peacemakers.”
Reserve a time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will
(Steps 10 and 11)
Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and words.
(Step 12) Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.”
My goal in writing these blogs is to help all of us, myself included, as we journey into God's open and amazing future. For those who want to learn more about Celebrate Recovery, please go to their website for more information.