Service Hurts

TRUTH

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10

REFLECTION

The way out is through.

For a long time, and despite evidence to the contrary, I believed I would be satisfied with achievement, affluence or acclaim.

I never got much of any of these, but the allure was ever present in my mind.

I saw the wealth of others and wanted it.

I saw the accomplishments and wished for them.

I saw the reputations and wondered how to shortcut my way to the top…or at least higher than I was.

I mistook idolatry for aspiration.

The strange quirk of all this wanting is that the desire ends up giving us a false sense of fulfillment even as we want more.

We pay little attention to the filthy rich folks who take their own lives or the anxiety-riddled celebrities ducking the press at every turn.

The way out is through.

Turns out, we have been given something unique to ourselves and our places in life. Our past and present are tools that we can either wield or be guided by.

They require no great deeds other than the self-sacrifice and willingness to be honest with others.

Straight through our insecurities and the strappings of what we think we need to get.

Instead, we give.

The secret is that in order to give, we simply have to share of ourselves. We will see how our experiences can help others when we stop running toward the next fantasy.

God, slow me down and give me the words to be helpful.

SPONSOR

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NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
Contact on LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.