Embracing the Fifth Principle of Celebrate Recovery: Voluntarily Submitting to Change
August 29, 2024 1:25 PM
The journey of recovery is filled with steps that challenge us to grow and evolve. The fifth principle of Celebrate Recovery encourages us to "Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects." This principle is grounded in the profound wisdom of James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." It is a call to action and humility, urging us to embrace the transformative changes that come with true recovery.
The Significance of Voluntary Submission
Voluntary submission is at the core of this principle. It involves a willing acceptance of the changes that need to occur in our lives, recognizing that these changes are for our ultimate good. It's about letting go of our resistance to change and trusting that God has a better plan for us. This step is crucial because it moves us from awareness of our issues, gained in previous principles, to actively working towards resolving them.
Understanding Character Defects
Character defects, or shortcomings, are the habits and behaviors that have often contributed to our struggles and pain. These can include traits like anger, envy, pride, or fear. The fifth principle challenges us to not only recognize these defects but to humbly ask God to help us remove them. This is not a passive process; it requires active prayer, reflection, and sometimes even seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt.
Steps to Embrace Change
Identify the Changes Needed: Spend time in reflection or journaling to understand what changes are necessary in your life. This might involve continued moral inventories or feedback from trusted friends or mentors in Celebrate Recovery.
Seek God’s Help: Prayer is essential. Ask for God’s assistance in removing these defects, understanding that some changes might be immediate, while others may require sustained effort and divine intervention.
Practice Humility: Recognize that you don’t have all the answers and that God’s ways are higher than yours. This humility is what allows you to be open to the changes He wants to make.
Stay Committed to the Process: Change can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Stay committed to the process, even when it’s challenging, trusting that the outcomes will lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The Benefits of Submitting to Change
The act of submitting to change offers several spiritual and practical benefits:
Improved Relationships: As you remove harmful behaviors and attitudes, your relationships can begin to heal and grow stronger.
Inner Peace: Letting go of old grudges and fears leads to greater peace and contentment.
Spiritual Growth: Each step towards change is also a step closer to God, enhancing your spiritual maturity.
Increased Self-Esteem: As you see yourself making positive changes, your sense of self-worth begins to improve.
The fifth principle of Celebrate Recovery is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of surrender and humility. By voluntarily submitting to the changes God wants to make in our lives and asking for help to remove our character defects, we open ourselves to profound healing and renewal. This principle isn’t just about overcoming addiction or other struggles; it’s about moving towards a life filled with peace, joy, and deeper connection with God.
As you continue your journey in Celebrate Recovery, remember that each step you take, especially in submitting to necessary changes, is a step towards the abundant life that God promises. The road may be difficult, but the rewards are worth every effort. The Celebrate Recovery Canton community is here to support you, providing guidance, love, and encouragement as you embrace each new phase of your recovery.