ARP Step 12

KEY PRINCIPLE: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.

CONVERSION AND RECOVERY

“Converted means to turn from one belief or course of action to another. Conversion is a spiritual and moral change. Converted implies not merely mental acceptance of Jesus and his teachings but also a motivating faith in him and his gospel—a faith which works a transformation, an actual change in one’s understanding of life’s meaning and in his allegiance to God in interest, in thought, and in conduct” (Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Guatemala Area Conference 1977, 8).

    • The Savior counseled Peter to strengthen his brethren after he was converted (see Luke 22:32). Write about President Romney’s definition of conversion and how it applies to your experience in recovery.
    • How do you feel about strengthening others as they recover from addictive behaviors?


GREAT PROGRESS FROM LITTLE STEPS

“Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).

    • Write about the feelings you have when you think of living these principles in all aspects of your life. How does it help to realize that great works are done in small steps?


STRENGTHENING OTHERS

“This is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

“And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me” (Alma 29:9–10).

    • We have learned that it is critical to recovery to be willing to share our testimonies of these principles. How will sharing your experience help you remain strong in your recovery?

“[As ye] are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

“Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?” (Mosiah 18:9–10).

    • Your experience with addiction helps you empathize with those who struggle with addiction; your experience in recovery helps you comfort them. Write about your increased desire and your ability to stand as a witness of God since you have followed the steps of recovery.


SERVING WITH THE HELP OF THE LORD

“The Redeemer chose imperfect men to teach the way to perfection. He did so then; He does so now” (Thomas S. Monson, in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 19; or Ensign, May 2004, 20).

    • Sometimes we wonder if we are ready to share recovery with others because we are not yet practicing these principles perfectly. How does it quiet your fears to realize that the Savior works through imperfect people?


THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).

    • Write your thoughts and feelings as you look back and consider that it took a spiritual experience to help you overcome your addiction. Write about any feelings of reluctance you may have to tell others that you were healed by applying the principles of the gospel of Christ.

“Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

“Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

“Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father” (D&C 31:11–13).

    • The scriptures are full of guidance for those who wish to maintain a spiritual way of life that will lead them back to God. What specific guidance do you find in these verses?