A successful transformational process for all Christians requires our full cooperation with God.
This is what “being entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character” is all about. The first principle of cooperation is being rigorously honest about where we are, so that Christ can take us where we need to go. In addition to that, a willingness to go to any length to change will lead us into a closer relationship with Christ. Willingness cooperates with Christ, so that He can transform us from the inside out. Lastly, those who have experienced trauma, addictions or codependency need to practice contrary action. It entails doing the opposite of what our sin nature desires until Christ transforms our hearts.
Regardless of what we have experienced in our past, our future will be dramatically changed for the better if we can cooperate with God. The only requirement for progress is employing these three principles of rigorous honesty, willingness and contrary action to the best of our ability and Christ will do the rest.
Step 6 – Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Rigorous honesty is essential in becoming entirely ready.
· Codependency, addictions and trauma usually involve a denial of truth because of the tragic and painful circumstances associated with them.
· In addition to that, many of us have been raised in shame-based families which deeply reinforces a denial of truth and distorts our perception.
· The denial and distortion of truth gives the adversary room to gain mental, emotional and spiritual strongholds in our lives.
· These strongholds magnify and exacerbate our sinful character traits which results in relational discord.
· It takes courage to be truthful about our sinful nature and admit our wrongs, but if we can, it sets the stage for true repentance to take place.
· True repentance kicks out the lies of the enemy and provides Christ the room to remove these sinful defects of character.
· We no longer need to cling to the lies of the enemy which propels us in the wrong direction.
· In this step we embrace the truth and reject these things that have held us back from loving God and one another.
· God makes us aware that changes need to happen, but in order to change us He requires our utmost honesty and cooperation.
· This step is a lifelong effort to place ourselves near the Savior so that He will change us into His likeness.
· He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6), and it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13).