JUN 28, 18 .. STEP SIX

When Bill Wilson was writing the steps and getting things organized, he evidently came upon the concept of 12s. 

12 Steps. 12 Traditons. 12 Concepts of World Service.

I don't think for one moment that he did this consciously or by design. That is, when he wrote the 12 Steps, I doubt if he began thinking, "I will make 12 Steps." In fact there is reason to believe that he began with 6 Steps and ended up with 12.

Amazingly nice that each calendar month has its very own step or tradition or concept.

Step 6 : Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step 6 helps us get the willingness to change.

Steps 6 and 7 go together like the proverbial hand and glove. In the A.A. Big Book they are lumped together in three paragraphs on pages 75 and 76. Step Six is mentioned once at the top of page 76 and then he wrote at the end of the second paragraph on page 76, "We have then completed Step Seven."

As the Big Book states, willingness is the key to Step Six.

Willingness also appears in Chapter 5, "If you have decided you want what we have, and are willing to go to any length to get it -- then you are ready to take certain steps."

IF I can add anything to any discussion about Steps Six and Seven it is this.

Step Six mentions defects.
Step Seven mentions shortcomings.

What is the difference? 

I was taught that a defect is an actual flaw of character.

Lying, Cheating, Stealing, Bullying, Rape, Racism, Resentment, Anger, Fear, Cowardice, Self Pity, Self justification,

Self importance, Egotism, Guilt, Self condemnation, Evasiveness, Dishonesty, Impatience.

Perfectionism, People-pleasing, Apathy, Laziness, Resentment, Hatred, Rage, Selfishness, Pride, Hubris, Arrogance, Envy, Lust, Gluttony. 

On the other hand I was taught a shortcoming is falling short. Failing to do something that you 'should' do.

Shortcomings are killers for me.  

When I am home watching the Super Bowl, I think, "Am I falling short of God's Will for me? Instead of sitting here watching this football game, 'should' I be out helping a struggling alcoholic?"

I ask anyone that I work with to memorize the Sixth and Seventh Step Prayer. It will be found on page 76. And to pray it daily.

"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefullness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen."

Pray the prayer, continue to pray it daily, and see what happens with your defects and shortcomings.

I was taught that you do not get rid of character defects by working on them and thinking about them. 

NO! 

You REPLACE DEFECTS WITH POSITIVE AFFECTS.

You don't walk around all day saying to yourself, "Today I am not going to take a drink." All this does is to put drinking into your immediate consciousness.

Instead think to yourself, "Today I am going to be sober." This way you are placing sobriety into the front of you mind.