God-conscious

[nandm]

Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. But we must go further and that means more action. (from the chapter Into Action of the Big Book.)

Taking what we want from this program of action and leaving the rest will not bring about the spiritual awakening that we must experience if we are to overcome alcoholism. Picking and choosing those parts that are most appealing to us will not allow us to undergo the entire psychic change that results in our restoration to sanity. The authors give clear-cut directions for us to follow if we desire to have victory over alcohol and find a spiritual experience.

By admitting to ourselves our need for God, confessing our shortcomings, and attempting to clean up the wreckage of our past, we open ourselves to the entry of God. The abandonment of our old ways of thinking and acting creates a cavity in us that the Spirit quickly fills.

We become God-conscious by the direct personal experience we develop through working the steps. We adopt new ways of viewing the world and our part in it. We practice accessing the power of God to solve our problems. In these practical ways we come to believe in the ability of this Power to restore us to sanity. We come to know from our experience that we can rely upon the help of our Higher Power.