Step 6 All These Defects Of Character

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

How does a person get ready to have God remove these defects of character?  If I am going to be entirely ready to have God remove all my character defects, what needs to be included in the list that I have been avoiding?

King David lied, cheated, committed murder and adultery.  At other times he acted with forgiveness and respect, with kindness and generosity.  He was known to be “a man after God’s own heart.”  David longed for life in close relationship with God.  He asked the question, “LORD, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1 NLT)  In spite of major failures David wanted to do whatever it took to get as close to God as He could, and he knew in His heart that was how life was best lived. The answer to David’s question came in the next sentence and it required the removal of his defects of character.  “He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous.”  (Psalm 15:2 NLT) 

David wanted to be a person that others could look to and have no cause to blame him or find fault with how he behaved.  David wanted to live free from character defects, not some, not just those it was convenient to release, but all.  This involved areas of personal integrity, his relationship with God, and his relationship with others. Fortunately King David had a solution and so do we.  We can ask God to help us get rid of all of these defects of character. “Wash me clean from my guilt.  Purify me from my sin.  For I recognize my shameful deeds – they haunt me day and night.  Against You, and You alone, have I sinned;  I have done what is evil in Your sight … Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a right spirit within me.”  (Psalm 51:2-4 NLT, 51:10 NIV)

Our life in recovery is assured if we live this step on a daily basis.  King David offers us this hope at the end of his list of necessary character changes, “He who does these things will never be shaken.”  (Psalm 15:5b NLT)

God, help me to be willing to have You remove all my defects of character.  “Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”  (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)