The Intersection of Spirituality, Psychology and Theology - Step 2 of Life Recovery

Step 2 of Life Recovery

05/13/21 • 10 min

The Intersection of Spirituality, Psychology and Theology

Discussing step two in a group of Christians with varied traits and problems requires a basic understanding of the commonalities frequently encountered in those afflicted with addictions, codependency and trauma. All people have the potential to experience a preoccupation with self and their problems. When a preoccupation occurs, the decision-making process can be hindered by elevated levels of fear, shame, anger and resentment.
The decisions frequently made by people who are under stress could be characterized as insane at times.
What leads us to making insane choices?

Isolation

· A prideful person will fail to ask for help because they will not be able to admit they need help. If someone comes along to help, a prideful person will quickly push the other person away by making them feel unwanted. Pride isolates us from fellowship.

· "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Galatians 6:3, ESV)

· On the opposite end of the spectrum is when we experience spiritual, emotional or psychological bankruptcy. This may result in a false humility or self-hatred. These two conditions prevent us from pursuing fellowship or asking for help because we do not feel worthy.

Disillusionment

· If you put confidence in yourself, you will eventually be let down. There will come a time when your body, mind, and money will fail you.

· Remember that pride is too much belief in you. If you put too much belief in anything or anyone other than Christ, it will only lead to disappointment and ultimately disillusionment.

· Insane choices or actions happen when we are disillusioned or skewed in our thinking. If we step back into unhealthy or dangerous relationships with family or friends because we are looking towards these individuals for validation of our self-worth, we are disillusioned. The fact is our self-worth comes from who we are in Christ. This step encourages us to identify our behaviors and actions that are insane because of unmet needs or unresolved issues.

· Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5, NIV)

Lack of Growth

· Pride prevents growth and gives us a sense of feeling that we have arrived. We close ourselves off from learning and from opening ourselves to new ways of thinking.

· A tendency to rest on prior achievements replaces a thirst and eagerness to grow into the likeness of Christ.

· We must not forsake the 12-step program of unselfish and constructive action for comfort and familiarity.

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Isolation

· "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Galatians 6:3, ESV)

Disillusionment

· If you put confidence in yourself, you will eventually be let down. There will come a time when your body, mind, and money will fail you.

· Remember that pride is too much belief in you. If you put too much belief in anything or anyone other than Christ, it will only lead to disappointment and ultimately disillusionment.

· Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5, NIV)

Lack of Growth

· Pride prevents growth and gives us a sense of feeling that we have arrived. We close ourselves off from learning and from opening ourselves to new ways of thinking.

· A tendency to rest on prior achievements replaces a thirst and eagerness to grow into the likeness of Christ.

· We must not forsake the 12-step program of unselfish and constructive action for comfort and familiarity.

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Step 5 of Life Recovery

The Fifth Step of Life Recovery is about beginning to level our pride which can often hinder our walk with the Lord though the recovery process. In theory many feel that "there is no reason why I cannot admit these things to the Lord and move on.” While this may seem applicable, practical experience teaches us otherwise.
We have found that sharing these experiences with a trusted friend takes the power out of these circumstances. This is accomplished through an understanding relationship and an objective outside opinion. The additional perspective gained by sharing our previous and most troubling circumstances, can bring about tremendous relief and clarity to our lives.
We’re not the point, even though we want to be the point. Our sin nature is naturally bent toward what I want, what I need and what I desire. The revealing of how our sin nature has brought us into a collision course with God and those around us is the exact point of the 5th step. Selfishness and self-centeredness are the root of pride, fear and resentment and many conflicts are birthed from these negative emotions.
What areas are you consistently looking to the world for contentment, purpose, meaning or comfort?

What would change if you began to look toward God and His good design for you?

· “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness’... So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them”

(Genesis 1:26- 27, NIV)

What if we could really grasp that we have intrinsic worth and value because we are made in the image of God?

· “Bring My Sons and My Daughters from the ends of the earth. Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My Glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” (Isaiah 43:6-7, NASB)

What person does not want to make peace with his past? How many of us enter recovery with deep feelings of shame, fear, pride, resentment or are perplexed about the meaning of past events?
If we can admit to God, ourselves and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs, we will not regret the past anymore. We will better understand how our behavior and attitudes contribute to conflicts and more importantly, we will see how our experiences can benefit others.

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