Inspiration Comes from the Holy Spirit

What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind. Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times. We might pay for this presumption in all sorts of absurd actions and ideas. Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration. We come to rely upon it. (AA, pg 87)

 

This piece of advice gives rise to some of the damaging effects that the program can have on "more mystical" types. One of the most frustrating aspects of trying to live according to the "Twelve Step Program" centered on this passage. How was I supposed to know that any "inspiration" which I received from within was something that I could trust, that I could act upon?

 

God works within us, both to will and to do for our good pleasure (Philippians 2: 12-13)

 

This God works in us through His Word, which is both Spirit and Truth:

 

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17: 17)

 

and

 

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6: 63)

 

The Holy Spirit gives us knowledge and wisdom:

 

"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." (1 John 2:20)

 

and

 

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1 John 2: 27)

 

As we abide in Christ, we receive Himself, who is made through God to every believer Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Through Christ in us and around us, we receive the power which works within us to do all things:

 

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15: 5)

 

We abide in Christ though His Holy Spirit, which brings to us righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14: 17)

 

As we walk in peace with God, because we have been fully justified from all sin (Romans 5:1), the Holy Spirit works within every believer, intimately intimating to him the will of God. Inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit, whom every Christian receives not through working Twelve Steps, but by believing on Him whom the Father has sent (John 6: 29).