You can't work on a character defect that is actively engaged.
If we're hellbent on getting revenge, it's hard to channel God's power to help us get revenge. If we're consumed with lust, it's hard to think about much of anything else. If we're busy defending our pride, protecting our ego, or figuring out how to get even, we're probably not in a great position to hear God's direction.
That's why we need His help.
It can be hard to know God's will in every situation, but it's usually not that complicated. It's probably not His will for us to hurt one of His kids. It's probably not His will for us to take advantage of someone, manipulate them, or use them to get what we want.
The problem is that when a defect is fully engaged, it feels right. Anger feels justified. Resentment feels earned. Selfishness feels reasonable. That's why Step Six ask us to pause long enough to invite God into the situation.
If we can rear back for a minute, take a breath, and ask for help, something interesting usually happens. Our focus shifts from what we can get out of the situation to how we can be useful in it.
Most of the time, God's will looks a lot more like helping than being right.
What character defect causes you the most trouble when it's fully engaged?
