Participation in Life

I mentioned to Doughgirl the other day that she will be working Steps 6 & 7 of AA's Twelve Steps forever (hopefully). I believe that when the total program is done correctly, that a person is never finished with them. This goes for most of the steps as we try to live them one day at a time.

Basically, Steps 6 and 7 ask us to be willing for our Higher Power or God to remove our character defects and shortcomings. We understand that we are only asking Him to do this; it may never happen or it may partially happen. It rarely will happen when we want it to nor to the degree that we wish. There are many variables.

Have I truly worked Steps 1-5 already? Completely?
Am I ENTIRELY ready for this to happen?
Am I SINCERE when I ask Him to do this?

Assuming all this is done, I have to realize that my spirituality obviously comes into play now. I am praying to my Higher Power, whatever that may be.

Now, here's the BIG thing to me: I must be willing to participate in these steps by changing my behaviour. EXAMPLE: my drinking was nothing more than a symptom of my disease, just another character defect. My HP removed that desire and obsession to drink when I asked Him to. But I can very easily take another drink if I so choose. I absolutely must participate in the removal of that desire by simply not taking a drink. The same goes for most of my other defects. Whether they be resentments, sex, sloth or whatever. I must take action to avoid those things that will kill me. This is where the other steps come into my program. It's all tied together. I am powerless to remove these defects by myself, but I am not powerless when it comes to practicing them.

I hope this makes at least a bit of sense. I find it difficult to put into words. But I tried.