[nandm]

1

Having made our personal inventory, what shall we do about it?

There is no way that we can proceed until after we have made our inventory.

2

We have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to discover the obstacles in our path.

To view those who harm us as spiritually ill, to see that the reason for our fears is that we believe we have only ourselves to rely upon and to realize that our selfishness is the cause of our sex problems, is to encompass the new attitude we have been attempting to develop. In each fourth step list we have been given suggestions for prayer. To deal with our resentments we pray to be released from the control that our anger has on us (67:5). To outgrow our fear we ask God to remove our fears and direct our attention to what God would have us be (68:22). To address our sex problems we ask God to mold our ideals and give us the strength to live up to them (69:18) as well as to show us what we should do about each matter (69:23). These practical prayers are the beginning of our new relationship with God.

4-5

Now these are about to be cast out. This requires action on our part, which, when completed, will mean that we have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our defects.

This is nota self-help program. This is a method by which we may gain access to God's help. God removes those defects of character that we have admitted block our usefulness to God and our fellows. We must willingly participate in this process if we are to realize its benefits. By taking the Fifth Step we place ourselves in the best position to recieve God's help.

7

This is perhaps difficult --- especially discussing our defects with another person.

"This is perhaps difficult" seems humorous, as much an understatment as "At some of these we balked" (58:10). The authors know us well.

12-16

We will be more reconciled to discussing ourselves with another person when we see good reasons why we should do so. The best reason first: if we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking. Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got drunk.

This is a practical program. We do it because it works. The experience of millions of recovered alcoholics is impossible to deny. If we fail to follow our third step decision with these actions, it likely will have no permanent effect (64:1). If we cannot establish a relationship with a Power greater than ourselves we may not recovery from alcoholism (44:3-4).

This step is humbling. It produces an understanding of who and what we really are and is the first step toward becoming who we might be. This humility removes the need for the barriers we build to protect ourselves from other people. We can not be humilated in areas where we are humble. If we have not admitted to ourselves that we are taller than average then comments about our height will offend us. If we develop humility then our self-esteem becomes unshakable.


Source:
The Annotated AA Handbook
Frank D