The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous talks about "the seven deadly sins" in it's text as being areas in which we can continue to take a daily personal inventory by identifying specific defects of character and then promptly correcting our course of action. This helps us to avoid slipping back into old destructive behavior patterns. The book says "To avoid falling into confusion over the names these defects should be called, let's take a universally recognized list of major human failings...the Seven Deadly Sins of pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth". Sloth has always been my favorite...but I digress.
This is the beginning of a period of reflection and personal inventory for many Christians. The forty days prior to Easter allow people to strive toward atonement and reconcilliation. This celebration, called Lent, is a good time for us all to focus on getting better. Rather than focus on the seven deadly sins, I would like to propose seven recovering redemptions: Humility, Generosity, Self Control, Kindness, Balance, Love and Enthusiasm. They are the opposites of the sins and can be practiced as a means of healing.
The method for healing is simple. Start with humility on day one. Get a good definition in the dictonary. It is the opposite of Pride. Practice humility in all of your affairs all day long. Journal about your experience at the end of the day. On day two move on to Generosity. The opposite of greed. Keep going for the whole week (seven days...seven redemptions). Repeat the process for all six weeks of Lent. I promise you a happier Easter.
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