High Thoughts

TRUTH

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6

REFLECTION

Humility is tricky stuff.

For the longest time, I thought humility meant thinking less of myself, beating myself up for my failures, wallowing in the muck of my own making.

Turns out, that's often just pride wearing a different mask: self-pity is still all about me.

Real humility, the kind James talks about, seems less about self-flagellation and more about right-sizing.

It’s about finally, grudgingly, accepting that I’m not the main character in this cosmic drama. That’s a tough pill for a guy whose addiction was fueled by the belief that the universe should revolve around his next feeling, his next fix, his next escape.

Pride feels natural. It feels like strength, like control. It whispers that I know better, that I can handle it this time, that my case is different. It puffs me up just enough to ignore the warning signs, the past wreckage, the concerned voices.

It convinces me I don't need grace, or at least, not that much grace.

And God opposes that. Ouch.

The paradox, like everything else in this recovery journey, is that grace – the real power, the actual solution – flows most freely when I admit I’m empty. When I stop trying to impress God (or myself, or anyone else) and just stand there, broken and willing.

It's counterintuitive. Giving up the illusion of strength to receive actual strength. Getting low to be lifted up.

Humility isn't weakness; it's how I access the power I desperately need.

God, make me humble enough to be helped.

SPONSOR

Reflection and gratitude are invaluable in recovery. Gratitude Plus is a social gratitude journal with an anonymous global feed. Try Gratitude Plus now.

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
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