Step Six
“Were entirely ready to have God remove
all these defects of character.”
“Were entirely ready to have God remove
all these defects of character.”
“THIS is the Step that separates the men from the boys.”So declares a well-loved clergyman who happens to be one of A.A.'s greatest friends. He goes on to explain that any
person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try repeatedly Step Six on all his faults— without any reservations whatever— has indeed come a long way spiritually, and is therefore entitled to be called a man who is sincerely trying to grow in the image and likeness of his own Creator." 12x12 Pg63
This is the Step where "rubber hits the road", as my favorite speaker puts it. Also, another speaker says, "if nothing changes, nothing changes" so I see this as a Step toward real change.
God of course decides what defects get removed and when; I just had to become willing. Part of that willingness for me was to identify the defect and then practice the opposite of the defect.
Just like with my drinking...God can and did remove the obsession to drink, but I can't keep drinking anyway-or nothing changes.
So, if one of my defects is lying, I practice being honest.
If one of my defects is manipulating people to get my way, I practice trusting God and surrender to his will and way for me.
If one on my defects is gossiping, I practice not engaging in gossip by changing the subject or not responding.
If one of my defects is road rage, I practice patience and tolerance of others on the road....LOTS OF PRAYER here! LOL...but it was removed.
That for me is willingness. Prayer and willingness not to practice the defects that drove me to drink in the first place.