Step Twelve
The Twelfth Step in the Recovery Program
12. Experiencing a Spiritual Awakening as a Result of These Steps, We Endeavored to Share this Message with Alcoholics and Addicts and to Apply the Principles in All Our Endeavors
“The key point is our willingness to grow spiritually.” (page 60). This could serve as our mission statement.
The twelfth step might act as our purpose statement. It comprises three elements: 1) Experiencing a spiritual awakening due to these steps, 2) we endeavored to share this message with alcoholics, and 3) to apply these principles in all of our endeavors.
Achieving purpose #1 happens when we follow steps 1-11 exactly as outlined in the book from “The Doctor’s Opinion” (8 pages) to “Into Action” (88 pages). Details for achieving purpose #2 are found in Chapter 7, “Working with Others” (15 pages). Consequently, the strategy for purpose #3 — applying these principles in all parts of our lives — must reside in the final four chapters (60 pages).
Too often, we hear individuals claim they have completed all the steps, yet they haven't sponsored a single person. We also hear the twelfth step referred to as service, yet sponsorship remains unmentioned. Observing their actions, they seldom apply the principles in every aspect of their lives.
Simply reviewing the page count dedicated to each step shows that the twelfth step spans 75 of the 172 pages of the book's recovery section, or 41%. Completing steps 1-11 means we've achieved only 59% of the goal, and even sponsoring one person brings us only to 65% of the program's purpose. Thus, applying the principles in all aspects of our lives is essential for truly becoming whole again.
From my experience, it wasn't until I began sponsoring others and fully grasped what it means to genuinely apply the principles in my home, work, and other areas that I found a fulfilling life with the potential for lasting recovery. Once I committed to applying the principles in all aspects of my life, spiritual growth naturally followed.
– Anonymous
