12 STEPS - Step 12
/STEP 12
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
NOW ALIVE WITH CHRIST
I never knew how dead I was in my addiction until I knew Christ. I was saved by grace through faith in Christ and it was as if I had awakened from a coma. Salvation was an unmerited gift and one I surely did not deserve.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…. We were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…. It is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1, 3-5)
It was through my new life in Christ, that I began to see I had a purpose. Upon awakening, He made clear I was His child and nothing could separate us. (1 John 3)
AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST
When I began Step 12, I desired to serve the Lord out of the gratitude of the free gift that was given to me. I had experienced the power of Christ in my life. Not only was a life free from drugs and alcohol possible with Him, but better! I couldn’t wait to pass the hope of Jesus Christ to others.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
LIVING OUR LIVES FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
In my addiction, I lived life to glorify myself through satisfying my flesh. I would seek any means to do this and that only lead me to near physical death and absolute spiritual death. Now, being transformed by grace through faith, I aim to live my life to glorify God. It isn’t always easy but my worst day sober is better than my best day high. I no longer am the dog returning to her vomit (Proverbs 26:11), but feast at the wedding table with my Savior, where He lavishes me with the riches of His mercy and grace. God is not done with me yet. He doesn’t demand perfection but seeks us to be willing and open broken vessels through which He can work. Today, I get to experience the joy that comes from living for Christ. I get to serve an amazing God and others.
We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
