Step 10 - Continuing to Learn and Grow

Our life with God should be one of continual learning and growing.  We need to be diligent as we reflect on our motives and behaviour in situations that arise. We are reminded of this in Step 10:

Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

When our actions or attitudes conflict with God’s principles we need to re-align our ways with what God’s Word says, and we need to do it sooner rather than later. 

Where we are wrong, it's important to admit it and take any necessary action.  If we know we have harmed someone, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we need to make amends. These actions will build our character, strengthen our relationship with God, and help us find the satisfying life of living in community as God intended.

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13

How am I doing in the basics of life with God? What's the status of my relationship with God?  Where have I surrendered to God's will and where have I operated in pride and self-will? 

How am I living the principle Jesus demonstrated for us during moment of immense pressure when God’s agenda and Jesus’ personal safety and security were at odds and Jesus still said:

"Not my will but Yours be done?”  Luke 22:42

Have I been fair-minded and flexible?  Do I take time to listen and understand the other person’s point of view?  Am I critical and disagreeable in interactions, or respectful and patient? In my relationships with others do I practice the Golden Rule and keep the focus on what I need to learn and change:

Do to others as you would have them do to you?"  Luke 6:31

Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3

How does my life look today as I measure it against God’s tried and true principles? 

Loving God, Thank you for providing helpful principles for a successful life.  Along with these words from the Bible, we pray: 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

So today’s challenge is first of all to just take a bit of time and reflect on the day, asking ourselves what God thinks of it all and then seeking the willingness and courage to move in a new direction.