The Failure of Learning Morality and Philosophy

Step we are on: Three

Chapter: 5 "How It Works"

Subject: Playing God, The Actor, Selfishness, Self-centeredness, morality, philosophy

• How can we be rid of this selfishness?

God makes that possible.

• What alternatives are there?

And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without His aid.

• Do many of us have a high standard of values?

Many of us had moral and philosophical convictions galore,

• How well do we live up to our own values?

but we could not live up to them even though we would have liked to.

Sometimes we hear folks say, "I came from a good family. I had a good upbringing," and yet still they do not know why it is they became alcoholic.

• What can we not reduce through our own willpower?

Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power.

Trying to install our own "goodness" is a futile effort. Learning in this “study” won’t do it. Reading spiritual books won't either. Multiple inventories, playing musical sponsors, switching groups, taking on more and more service work, amassing spiritual philosophy won't do it. These activities represent trying by our own willpower. 

While these things may give the impression we are doing something for our own good and for the good of others, ultimately they are all based on ambitious self-will. 

Such activities only mimic the 12 Step "into action" idea, while enlarging the dark nature inside us called Ego - all in the name of spirituality. Maybe even in the name of God. 

The shedding of selfishness is not something we can work out through our own willful actions. We cannot become good by acting good.

But the next line tells us how it does happen. 

We will do it tomorrow.

Peace and  Love,

Danny S – RLRA

Real Live Recovered Alcoholic

http://stepelevencomesalive.blogspot.com/

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