Material and Spiritual Well–Being
Fear…of economic security will leave us.

Having fear reduced or eliminated and having economic circumstances improve, are two different things. When I was new to AA, I had those two ideas confused. I thought fear would leave me only when I started making money. However, another line from the big book jumped off the page one day when I was chewing on my financial difficulties: “For us, material well–being always followed spiritual progress, it never preceded.” I suddenly understood that this promise was a guarantee. I saw that it put priorities in the correct order, that spiritual progress would diminish that terrible fear of being destitute, just as it diminished many other fears.

Today I try to use the talents God gave me to benefit others. I’ve found that is what others valued all along. I try to remember that I no longer work for myself. I only get the use of the wealth God created, I have never “Owned” it. My life’s purpose is much clearer when I just work to help, not to possess.