Last night at my home group, the chair did an amazing job of connecting Step 3 to Step 12 and chaired a beautiful discussion about how once we turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understand God that the natural next step is to give it away.  Once we have had that personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism, we are asked to remember that our job is to give away what has been so freely given to us.

This morning, the phrase “to whom much is given, much is required” was brought to mind for me.  It emphasizes that those who have been blessed with more resources, talents, or opportunities have a greater responsibility to use them for the benefit of others. It’s a principle rooted in the idea that privileges and advantages come with a corresponding obligation to contribute to society and help those less fortunate.

Responsibility and Accountability:
The core meaning is that individuals who have been given more are expected to be accountable for their actions and to use their advantages to make a positive impact.

Not Just Material Wealth:
While “much is given” can refer to material wealth, it also encompasses talents, knowledge, time, and opportunities.

Using Gifts for Good:
The principle encourages using these gifts to help others, contribute to the community, and strive for a better world. For example, someone with exceptional musical talent might be expected to use that talent to bring joy to others, while someone with financial resources could be expected to support charitable causes. There are many ways I can become of maximum usefulness to God and those about me.

Reminders from the Big Book:

• “PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as ­intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. This is our twelfth suggestion: Carry this message to other alcoholics! You can help when no one else can.” – Big Book – Working With Others
• “Never avoid these responsibilities, but be sure you are doing the right thing if you assume them. Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while isn’t enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be.” – BB Working With Others
• “Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others, so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful. You should not hesitate to visit the most sordid spot on earth on such an errand. Keep on the firing line of life with these motives and God will keep you unharmed.” – BB Working With Others

My teachable moment for this day…

To remember that I’ve been given so much as a result of God removing my alcohol obsession and because of my active participation in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Because of that, I’m responsible for paying it forward. I’ve been given much and I need to never forget that if I am not giving much, I will once again become a thief, just taking or stealing from the Fellowship that saved my life.

In love & service,