What’s the Point?

“The point is that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.  The principles we have set down are guides to progress.  We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection (Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous pg. 60).” Notice that this passage from the book talks about progress.  Progress is generally recognized as a forward movement.  Nothing about maintaining here.  We absolutely must grow in our sobriety.  This is accomplished by taking the 12 steps, being of service and having a unifying spirit.  

The point of a vital (which means necessary to life) spiritual experience is to inundate ourselves with an overwhelming God consciousness.  These experiences are as diverse as we as individuals are diverse.  Some people have an initial emotional upheaval such as Bill W. in Bill’s Story.  Others of us may have a spiritual experience of the educational variety which happens over time.  And others, like myself may have both types of spiritual experiences.  The point is if you take the steps as outlined in the BBAA and apply them in your life, this will happen for you.  You will stay sober.  

Page 25 in the BBAA states that “…we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.”  This is true for real alcoholics who stay sober by the grace and mercy of a Higher Power.  Hard Drinkers may not need this kind of experience.  But the real alcoholic cannot stay sober over the long haul without some kind of intervention usually involving spiritual principles.  Of course, there are always exceptions to this, but not many.  Once again, we must make forward progress in growing in the spiritual realm.  Sometimes we have to kick start our spiritual engine.  At other time we may be a whirling dervish of spiritual energy.  Over time we mellow out and become more consistent in our program of spiritual growth; little depression and not too much mania.  

BBAA pg.25 states that …” we had but two alternatives.  One was to go on to the bitter end blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other to accept spiritual help.”  For the atheist or agnostic this can prove to be too much for them to accept as one time.  So, it is suggested that they take it piece meal.  This has proved to work for many people.  Remember the point is to grow along spiritual lines.