“He stood in the Presence of Infinite Power and Love. He had stepped from bridge to shore. For the first time, he lived in conscious companionship with his Creator. Thus was our friend’s cornerstone fixed in place. No later vicissitude has shaken it.” (Chapter 4, Big Book)
“He is the Principal; we are His agents. He is the Father, and we are His children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom.” (Chapter 5, Big Book)
“Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery.” (Chapter 7, Big Book)
“A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations, and affairs.” (Chapter 2, Big Book)
The Chapter 2 quotation about the ‘much more important demonstration’ can (erroneously) lead one to think that one somehow relegates service and sponsorship to a corner of one’s life in order to do the much more important business of everyday life.
In fact, the most important things are the reliance on God and the service of God through carrying the message: No cornerstone, no keystone, no foundation: no recovery at all; no areas.
What I do in my home, occupation, and affairs supplies the best examples of how to apply the principles of the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, and therefore offer the best demonstration (because this is where the principles and one’s character are put most severely to the test), but that does not mean that the service and sponsorship are less important.
I once asked someone which of two things was more important. He answered ‘yes’.
I think that’s the answer for me to the question of which of having a spiritual awakening, carrying the message, or practising the principles is the most important.
The answer is ‘yes’.