Many a nominal Christian, also, is dull and lackluster because he has never even tried to surrender himself to Christ completely. We begin by surrendering to Christ as much of ourselves as we can, to as much of Christ as we understand. But our pride resists surrender to anybody, even to God. Our performance will never come up to our promise, but we need the initial promise as the lasting guide for our subsequent living. A certain psychiatrist has for years been very close to the movement called Alcoholics Anonymous.
Alcoholics generally are self-centered and defiant people who develop expansive egos.
This psychiatrist thinks that the usual therapy of building up the patient's ego and self-confidence is misplaced. But if an alcoholic first admits that he is powerless against strong drink, and then surrenders himself to whatever he considers to be the Higher Power, his ego gives way. Loss of self is basic. And when the individual surrenders his ego, God automatically steps in. Such people have beliefs and convictions, but they do not have power.