Christianity

Step 1: We admitted we are powerless to live the Christian life.

Principle: Honesty

Step One is the admission that we are dependent on God's will. It requires that we unequivocally place our faith in Him. When we are are misguided or self-absorbed we discover we have placed our faith in other people, money, status, power or notoriety. This step is a recognition that this misplaced faith has not worked, and in fact, has caused our lives to become unmanageable.

Text or Verse

Apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.
Luke 6:28-29

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father was merciful.
Luke 6:35-36

Practice

Use the New Testament scriptures as a reference to identify the attitudes and behaviors which describe the Christian way of life and make a list.
Read the list daily.
Pick out one attitude or behavior at the beginning of each week to work on as part of an on-going change process to better align yourself with the Christian way of life.
Share your goals, obstacles and successes with a mentor, sponsor or prayer partner.

Resources

Rohr, Richard OFM. How Do We Breathe Underwater? The Gospel and 12-Step Spirituality. Center for Action and Contemplation. (go to the Links menu to connect to the web-site)

Dick B. The Good Book and the Big Book. A.A.'s Roots in the Bible. Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 1997

Selby, Saul. Twelve Step Christianity. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2000