Step Ten – The Acid Test of Daily Living

 Dear Reader,

Many times, I drift from recovery’s focus when my true purpose is to blend recovery with spiritual discovery. Today, I turn to Step Ten of the Twelve Steps: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”

From a scriptural perspective, Step Ten reminds us to remain vigilant: “Therefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). The Lord also promised: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness… my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me” (Ether 12:27).

Practically, Step Ten means staying spiritually awake, watching for pride, resentment, fear, or selfishness. Instead of hiding mistakes, we admit them to ourselves, to God, and when needed, to others. This daily accountability keeps us free from denial, secrets, and relapse.

A simple Step Ten checklist:

• Review your day each night: where did you act selfishly, dishonestly, or hurtfully?

• Seek the Spirit’s help to see clearly.

• Admit wrongs promptly—don’t let them fester.

• Make amends quickly, keeping your conscience clear.

• Thank God for progress, and ask for strength tomorrow.

The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions explains: “As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life… Then comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?” (p. 88). Step Ten is where principles meet daily life—in fair weather or foul.

To appreciate Step Ten, it helps to recall the foundation:

• I can’t. – Step 1: We admitted we were powerless.

• God can. – Step 2: Came to believe in a Power greater than ourselves.

• I’ll let Him. – Step 3: Turned our will and lives over to God.

Then came the “action steps” (Steps 4–9): self-examination, confession, humility, and amends. These reconciled us with ourselves, with others, and with God, preparing the way for a new life.

Step Ten sustains that progress. We acknowledge that mistakes are part of being human—but honesty, not perfection, is what keeps us free. As one prayer puts it:

“Higher Power, help me admit my wrongs. Help me earn the trust of others by being honest about my mistakes.”

Emotional pain, like physical pain, is a signal—showing us where imbalance lies. Spiritual progress, not perfection, is the true measure of success. Step Ten clears the slate each day, making tomorrow lighter.

Wisdom reminds us of balance:

• “Life is about balance. Be kind, but don’t let people abuse you. Trust, but don’t be deceived. Be content but never stop improving yourself.” (Buddha, attributed)

• “Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.” (Thomas Merton)

• “Admitting error clears the score and proves you wiser than before.” (Arthur Guiterman)

And scripture affirms:

• “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

• “Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins… for except ye do this ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God.” (Alma 39:9)

Step Ten asks us to “live with good purpose.” The acid test is not avoiding mistakes but facing them—with humility, honesty, and faith. Each day is a chance to start fresh, restore harmony, and live with purpose.

May your Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, or Higher Power support you always.

Amen.