Step Three Made No Sense -- Christ Makes all the Difference

 "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over the care of God as we understood Him."

 

When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn.

 

We were now at Step Three. Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood Him: "God, I offer myself to Thee-to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!" We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly to Him.

 

We found it very desirable to take this spiritual step with an understanding person, such as our wife, best friend or spiritual adviser. But it is better to meet God alone than with one who might misunderstand. The wording was, of course, quite optional so long as we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation. This was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once. (AA. pg 63)

 

This passage of AA was one of the most frustrating.

 

What does it mean to "turn your will and life over to someone?"

 

How does one turn one's will and life over to some "God" as we understand Him?

 

The "god" of our understanding pretty soon breaks down into once again depending on ourselves.

 

What kind of life is that?

 

What kind of God is that?

 

God has done all the moving for us.

 

While we were still sinners, He gave His Son the propitiation of all our sins! (Romans 5: 8)

 

God did everything for us in sending His Son, who became nothing, that in Christ we may something, that is, seated in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesian 2: 6)

He works within us to will and to do for His good pleasure, as well (Philippians 2:12-13)

He leads us from within by His Spirit, writing His laws in our hearts and our minds (Hebrews 8: 10-12)

This was the kind of life I had been hoping for. This life is a Person, Jesus Christ (John 14: 6)

Jesus is not a god as I understand Him.

I cannot make Him up! I cannot make this up!

Step Three makes no sense. Christ, not just "god", makes all the difference.