Taking an honest look at ourselves is necessary if we want peace.
Step Four asks us to admit our character defects. That's not an easy assignment. How "defective" could we be? In truth, we do have many assets, and it will help us to admit our defects if we also own our assets.
The founders of the Twelve Steps were wise men who understood the value of self-assessment. None of us is without problems, many of which we cause ourselves because of behavior we need to change. But until we can stand back from ourselves and see our part in our troubles, we'll not have the data we need to make a change in our lives. This program is designed to help us change. Its goal for us is greater peace, but we must do our part.
I will feel better today, and thus more peaceful, if I am willing to change a behavior that causes me trouble. I pray for willingness to admit my defects and own my assets.
From the beginning this honest self inventory escaped me completely. I didn't know what it meant and didn't know how to do it. I had to be taught by a skillful, courageous, loving sponsor or I'd be still nibbling at the edges of denial. Another gratitude.
