December 30

December 30 – AM          Page 76-77, Into Action, Chapter 6

Probably there are still some misgivings.  As we look over the list of business acquaintances and friends we have hurt, we may feel diffident about going to some of them on a spiritual basis.  Let us be reassured.  To some people we need not, and probably should not emphasize the spiritual feature on our first approach.  We might prejudice them.  At the moment we are trying to put our lives in order.  But this is not an end in itself.  Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.  It is seldom wise to approach an individual, who still smarts from our injustice to him, and announce that we have gone religious.  In the prize ring, this would be called leading with the chin.  Why lay ourselves open to being branded fanatics or religious bores?  We may kill a future opportunity to carry a beneficial message.  But our man is sure to be impressed with a sincere desire to set right the wrong.  He is going to be more interested in a demonstration of good will than in our talk of spiritual discoveries.

December 30 – PM          Page 84, Into Action, Chapter 6

This thought brings us to Step Ten, which suggests we continue to take personal inventory and continue to set right any new mistakes as we go along.  We vigorously commenced this way of living as we cleaned up the past.  We have entered the world of the Spirit.  Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness.  This is not an overnight matter.  It should continue for our lifetime.  Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear.  When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them.  We discuss them with someone immediately and make amends quickly if we have harmed anyone.  Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help.  Love and tolerance of others is our code.