The 11th Step

[Ann Doupont]

Recently, I've been thinking about the 11th step of the 12 step program.

I began going to meetings in 1978. Have been clean and sober since 1981. Have no desire for any alcohol or drugs.

The 11th step speaks of improving our conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation, praying for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out. That's all I really want to do. To know Him and to do His will.

From what I heard those years ago when I was first getting sober and going to many meetings, the whole program is based on the Bible. In studying the Bible for myself, I have found that to be true.

As I have prayed and meditated on the scriptures, my health and my whole life and sense of well-being has improved. I know the voice of the Lord and follow it to the best of my ability. No greater life than this have I ever found. His blessings are on me as I continue on this path.

 

[Autumnleaf]

I don't know. I've heard the program is based on the 7 deadly sins, had a sponsor who made me write them out. He eventually went out and drank. Other guys I know say the 12 steps are from the Bible. I think the steps are based on the discourses of Epictetus the stoic philosopher. His focus on acceptance is huge.

I heard there were originally 6 steps the Oxford group used. I don't know how the Oxford group came up with them.

 

[Ann Doupont]

I don't know. I've heard the program is based on the 7 deadly sins, had a sponsor who made me write them out. He eventually went out and drank. Other guys I know say the 12 steps are from the Bible. I think the steps are based on the discourses of Epictetus the stoic philosopher. His focus on acceptance is huge.

I heard there were originally 6 steps the Oxford group used. I don't know how the Oxford group came up with them.

From what I heard long ago, Dr. Bob and Bill W. found that by talking with one another about their mutual concern (drinking), they both got sober. From there, there were 100 of them...the first 100 alcoholics, and from there, it then grew.

I believe that the 12 steps are based on Biblical principles. For example, the 1st step...that of admitting one's problem...is about humility. Step #2 about coming to believe that a power greater than oneself can restore sanity, is about faith. Step #3 about turning one's life over to God is about surrender of the will to Him.

Personally, it was by working the steps and going to lots of meetings that I got sober and then saved as I prayed with a man I'd met there and invited Jesus to come into my heart. He then began to change me from the inside out until I no longer desired any alcohol or drugs and it's now been over 30 years since I stopped using them.

 

[If Not For Grace]

The whole program is often summarized as Trust God, Clean House and Serve Others--if that is not based on Christian Principles..one thing I can say is, it is certainly Not in conflict with them.

 

[Ann Doupont]

The whole program is often summarized as Trust God, Clean House and Serve Others--if that is not based on Christian Principles..one thing I can say is, it is certainly Not in conflict with them.

I hadn't heard it put like that before. Thanks for sharing. It's true, too.

Ann

 

[Autumnleaf]

The whole program is often summarized as Trust God, Clean House and Serve Others--if that is not based on Christian Principles..one thing I can say is, it is certainly Not in conflict with them.

Some people think Christian principles means saying, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." and then going about your business doing whatever you want to.

 

[Child of JC]

I got saved in 1998, went to church, bible study, worship leader, fasting and prayer...for me, the Word and the true Heart of God came alive when I started my 12 step program. Our Lord Jesus is in every step and helps us take every step. He's Amazing!!

 

[Colter]

Frank Buckman was in England at Oxford where he heard an inspiring talk given by a women about the cross. Buckman was wondering, he had a resentment for the board of his former employer in NY, the YMCA because they wanted to reduce the food budjet for the homeless. He had a spiritual awakeing, wrote letters of amends to the board. In the following years he would start The Oxford Movement where Roland Hazard (Carl Youngs) patient in the BB and Ebby Thatcher were staying sober. Bill Wilson's work grew out of the Oxford group and of coarse with Gods guidance.