Warranty 02

that sufficient operating funds and reserve be its prudent financial principle

1. Primary principle(s): financial prudence, responsibility
2. Other principles: moderation, consideration, constructiveness, humility, self-sacrifice

Readings:

• Twelve Concepts for World Service - pp. 64-68
• Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix - AAWS Pamphlet
• “Corporate Poverty” - March 1997 AA Grapevine
• “The Portals of Service” - September 2006 AA Grapevine

Prudence is defined as:

1. the quality or fact of being prudent (defined as: wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober).
2. caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.
3. regard for one’s own interests.
4. provident care in the management of resources; economy; frugality.

Most of us chuckle to ourselves when we think of words like “prudence” or “moderation” when referring to alcoholics.  How many times have we heard at meetings the excuse of irresponsible behavior, often linked with some waive of the hand comment like “…well, what do you expect from an alcoholic…” or worse (in my opinion) “…well, it’s about progress not perfection…”.

So, imagine that you were being approached by a number of Alcoholics Anonymous members to lease a building or to open a bank account?  Would we want the prospective business interest or landlord to sit in on our meetings and hear our escapades?  Probably not.

Here, perhaps more than anywhere, we are asked to get beyond the “type” or “old ideas” we display in our lives - transform ourselves by directing “… our attention to what He would have us be…”  Ah yes, the essence of “being” rather than “doing” and “accomplishment”.

I have a hard time even understanding any other principle behind money than “I want it - how can I get it?” or “How can I spend this money that I have ?  What of the long list of items I want should I buy first?” - in other words the principles of “selfishness and greed”. Greed is defined as “excessive or rapacious desire, esp. for wealth or possessions” - what could be more at odds with the principles embodied in our steps, traditions and concepts than that?

How that prudence gets expressed has always been and always will be debated.  Whether we’re being prudent with our reservces or selfish will be left for each conference, each area, each group and even each member will have to define and review.