The Second Step in 12-Step recovery reads, “[We] came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” This step represents how important spirituality can be in recovery. Spirituality is what will “restore” us to a version of ourselves that makes sense to us. Through spirituality, we discover a state of being that represents our true values and identity. Many of us in recovery have found that turning to Jesus in recovery provides the restoration we need.
The Benefits of Spirituality in Recovery
A big issue when it comes to addiction is that we become wholly reliant on ourselves for everything. We often do this because when we rely solely on ourselves, we don’t have to worry about anyone interrupting our drinking or substance use. Essentially, we are depriving ourselves of others to protect our addiction.
However, this self-reliance often hampers any potential for spiritual growth. Addiction often gives us a sense of “it’s me against the world.” Then, when things start crashing down around us, instead of asking a Higher Power for help, we think, “What kind of Higher Power would let me feel this way right now?”
Ultimately, however, these feelings are coming from the self. By being wholly self-reliant and shutting out any chance for spirituality, we are also shutting out any chance for growth or recovery. We often think we can get well on our own, and we believe we can think our way out of addiction. Yet, we forget that our thinking pattern is what got us into this place in the first place. Perhaps it is our thinking that needs to give way and we should try instead some sense of spirituality.
Personal Preference: Separating Spirituality From Religion in Recovery
Now, many people in recovery bristle when the “God” word comes up. This is often because they have some sort of negative association with the religion of their youth. Alternatively, they have been influenced by others and falsely informed about religion as a whole.
This is why it is important to understand that spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion, and a Higher Power doesn’t have to mean “God” in the sense that is upsetting to the individual. A Higher Power can be whatever it is that is outside of ourselves that we can have faith in and rely upon.
Eliminating “Contempt Prior to Investigation”
There is an appendix in the primary text of 12-Step programs (most commonly referred to as the “Big Book”) entitled Spiritual Experience. This section is all about the importance of having a spiritual experience in recovery. However, this doesn’t mean it has to be some sort of “white light” experience. A spiritual experience can simply be the realization that life has gotten better in recovery after giving ourselves over to faith. Where we couldn’t do it on our own, with a Higher Power of our own understanding, we now can.
The appendix ends with a quote by the English philosopher, Herbert Spencer, who states, “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” This is a contempt that can also keep people from the universally positive teachings of Jesus Christ.
Turning to Jesus in Recovery
Many people have a contempt for the teachings of Jesus Christ without knowing a single one of the teachings. This lack of knowledge, of course, makes turning to Jesus for spiritual guidance rather difficult.
Many people wrongly associate Jesus Christ with either a flawed church or a wrathful God. Both associations are misguided.
In John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” These are the types of spiritual teachings that Jesus Christ offers. They are teachings of love, understanding, and forgiveness, which is why they can be so vital in recovery.
Jesus in Recovery: Feeling Blessed by Christ at Clearview
Yes, we love and follow Jesus Christ here at Clearview. However, we do not force our beliefs on any of our students. We merely show them the love that Jesus has to offer – a love that they have been missing. A love that they deserve.
There is a prayer in recovery called the Third Step Prayer. It goes, “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!”
Here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we are here to love our students until they learn to love themselves. We learned about unconditional love by turning to Jesus and his teachings.
Many people believe that the pillar of a strong recovery is a strong spiritual practice. We here at Clearview Gilrs Academy share in this belief. Specifically, we believe strongly in the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ. While we would never force any belief system on any of our students, we also see that those in recovery who let Jesus into their lives tend to have a much more fulfilled journey. If you feel like your daughter may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental health, or both, we can help. For more information on how the principles brought about by Jesus Christ can aid in recovery, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
