Week 12: Step 3 | The Third Step Decision

As we take the third step, we consider the Keystone that holds it all together. We make a decision to turn our will and lives over the the care of God. The book is going to take away any other option I may have to stay stopped without God  if I read this section carefully, I can easily see why. 

Why do we read this HOW IT WORKS in meetings when the newcomer doesn't know the description of the  food addicts, and therefore cannot see the need to take the step ?

After 8 weeks in step 1, am I clear on what the description of the food addict is?  When I look in the mirror with rigorous honesty, do I recognize Myself in this description?

If I do, am I convinced of these a) b) c) ?  I can’t, he can, he will. (page 60)

When I hear “ turn my will, my life and my thinking over to God”, what does that mean to me?
• Not just my relationship with food, eating and body obsession, but everything.
• Am I hearing in the rooms that God takes away my food cravings, but I run my life?

Or am I hearing that God is running EVERY area of my life: relationships, finances, career, family issues, school, personal life?

What if I believe that I just came to the workshop to stop acting out or picking up with food? I didn't come here to give everything to God. I just came here to learn to stop eating compulsively.  I didn't realize this was a spiritual program until I did the work this way.

Do I find it a relief that not only do I not have to run my life anymore, (because, let’s face it: it’s pretty unmanageable or I wouldn’t be in this workshop) but what if God WANTS to run my life for me? He does. He wants to show up for me in all the ways that I need more power. 

The Big 3rd Step Consideration

If there is a God, do I believe that this is HIS show...? 

His play, he is the Director and I am just an actor?

Is He the Principal and I, his agent?

Is he the Father, and I, His child?
(page 60. 4th paragraph)

The book tells us the first requirement ( of step 3) is that I'm convinced. (page 61)

When I take an honest look at my life, my relationships, can I see clearly how I am running the show (badly)?  Later, I will see this come out in my 3rd column of the 4th step.

Self centered does not mean what many of us think it means; that I think too much of myself or too little of myself -it’s really that I think of myself too often.  I am my favorite topic, in thoughts, words and actions.  This is what we mean when we speak of bondage to self.  

Ex: When someone shares an experience with me, do I immediately  Think of myself, and respond by talking about how I relate? Or do I express an active listening comment, such as wow that sounds really difficult or it sounds like you did a great job!  

Substitute hyphenated "self" for God. Self-centered, self-will, self- propulsion, self-seeking....turn it into God-centered, God-will, God-Propulsion, God- seeking
(page 62)

Selfishness is not doing just for ME, but the disregard of others.
(last paragraph)

The 3rd step decision:  How successful has your life been as the Director? 

SURRENDER:
It's not about surrendering so much as it is that I have to see that I have to STOP PLAYING GOD. But how?

Do I see how I have been playing God in every area of my life?