Defects of Character and Spiritual Consequences
Understanding defects of character is essential as they represent deviations from the perfection God desires, often linked to the seven deadly sins. This Article explains each sin’s impact on thoughts and actions, highlighting their spiritual consequences.
Natural Desires and Character Defects
So, what are the defects of character? Alcoholics Anonymous offers this helpful explanation:
“Most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires… (but) when they drive us blindly or willfully demand more satisfaction or pleasure than is possible or due to us, we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins.” (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions: Step 6).
The Seven Deadly Sins and Defects of Character:
The seven deadly sins are pride, envy, greed, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Each one can reveal a defect of character when it shapes our thoughts, motives, and actions. The following sections explore each one in more detail.
Pride: The Root of Sin
Pride is often described as the most foundational and dangerous sin because it places the self above God. Sirach 10:13 states, “Pride is the beginning of all sin.” Because pride can fuel many sinful attitudes and actions, it often becomes the root from which other spiritual diseases grow.
Envy: Jealousy and Resentment
Envy can slowly consume the soul. It often begins as jealousy, saying, “I want what you have.” Over time, however, envy can become more destructive: “I do not want you to have it.” As a result, envy weakens love and can lead to cruelty, resentment, and spiritual unrest.
Greed: Attachment to Possessions
Greed is the pursuit of, or attachment to, worldly possessions in a way that can replace devotion to God. Jesus warns, “No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24. Therefore, greed becomes dangerous when possessions begin to rule the heart.
Wrath: Uncontrolled Anger
Wrath is uncontrolled anger, rage, or a desire for revenge. When left unchecked, anger disrupts peace and damages relationships. It can also lead to more serious sins. Ephesians 4:26 warns, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.”
Lust: Selfish Desire
Lust reduces another person to an object for personal pleasure instead of honoring that person’s dignity as someone created in God’s image. Jesus teaches, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery.” – Matthew 5:28.
Gluttony: Excess and Imbalance
Gluttony is a self-inflicted wound that comes from using food or drink in excess. God created food and drink to nourish the body, mind, and soul. However, when consumption becomes excessive, it can weaken discipline and contribute to laziness, spiritual decline, and a loss of balance.
Sloth: Spiritual Laziness
Sloth is a spiritual malady that appears as laziness, procrastination, unwillingness, or indifference. Jesus warns, “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” – Revelation 3:16. Ultimately, sloth dulls purpose, weakens faith, and diminishes joy.
Fear: The Hidden Motive
Understanding the seven deadly sins can help us recognize the motives behind them. Alcoholics Anonymous explains on page 62, “Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Driven by a hundred forms of fear…” In AA, I was taught that fear often comes from either not getting what I want or losing what I already have—two sides of the same coin. As we reflect on the seven deadly sins, we can see fear as a primary force beneath them.
Therefore, many alcoholics come to see fear as the root of their defects of character, recognizing that self-centered and selfish fears often shape their behavior.
Fear is a Choice
When we practice the spiritual principles of AA, we choose to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God. Prayer becomes a powerful remedy for our spiritual maladies, helping us choose faith over fear. As a result, God becomes our savior and refuge against the seven deadly sins.
Reflection: What fear do you see in yourself that may be underscoring a character defect?