Narcotics Anonymous

Just For Today - Daily Email Service

   December 17                                                Service motives

   "Everything that occurs in the course of NA service must be motivated by
      the desire to more successfully carry the message of recovery to the
                          addict who still suffers."

                                                          Basic Text, p. xxvi

                           ----=----

   Our motives are often a surprise to us.  In our early days of recovery,
   they were almost always a surprise!  We've learned to check our motives
   through prayer, meditation, the steps, and talking to our sponsor or other
   addicts.  When we find ourselves with an especially strong urge to do or
   have something, it's particularly important to check our motives to find
   out what we really want.

   In early recovery, many of us throw ourselves into service with great
   fervor before we have started the regular practice of motive-checking.  It
   takes awhile before we become aware of the real reasons for our zeal.   We
   may want to impress others, show off our talents, or be recognized and
   important.  Now, these desires may not be harmful in another setting,
   expressed through another outlet.  In NA service, however, they can do
   serious damage.

   When we decide to serve NA, we make a decision to help addicts find and
   maintain recovery.   We have to carefully check our motives in service,
   remembering that it's much easier to frighten away using addicts than to
   convince them to stay.  When we show them game-playing, manipulation, or
   pomposity, we present an unattractive picture of recovery.  However, the
   unselfish desire to serve others creates an atmosphere that is attractive
   to the addict who still suffers.

                           ----=----

   Just for today:  I will check my motives for the true spirit of service.