Action ~ Reaction

Isn’t it amazing how two letters can make the meaning of a word totally different? Action or reaction in the work place is also totally different.

Action n. 1. The process or state of acting or of being active. 2. Something performed; act; deed. 3. A consciously willed act or activity. (1)

Reaction n. 1. A reverse movement or tendency; an action in a reverse direction or manner. 3. Action in response to some influence, event, etc. (1) There are, also, political, medical, nuclear and mechanical definitions.

It is important, as Christians, we base all our actions and reactions on Godly planned reactions to actions. Now if that doesn’t get confusing, I don’t know what will . . . This will occur when you take strict definitions and apply them to Scripture. Please hear me out on this talk.

We often see examples of people reacting to the actions of others in a reactionary way. Meaning, they give no thought to how they behave upon being confronted with another’s behavior. As an example: Someone cuts you off while on the interstate (action) and you make an obscene gesture (reaction).

As Christians, we are observed whether we perform both actions and reactions in a Godly manner. If you have stored up Scriptural behavior, your reaction will be a response based on Godly principals. Your reaction will not be a reverse tendency or a like response. A like response is an “eye for an eye.” Friend, an eye for an eye is God’s responsibility. Your responsibility is the ground yourself in His word so deeply you will automatically react in a manner pleasing to God.

I used to drive a lot during my work day. As a result, I was often confronted with the actions of others on the highway. I let their driving skills bring out the worst in me. I would react with anger and act out in a very unflattering (shall we say ungodly) way. Once I became more grounded in what God expected from me, I first began to ask God to forgive me every time I acted out in an ungodly way. I would then ask God to help me react in a more appropriate manner and to have that my first thought response. God does work on these things with you! I have turned my reactions to others’ driving into an action. I ask forgiveness for the person, for that person’s safety, for God to be in their life. Taking my pride out of the situation (pride that I must be smarter than the person who drives so badly) and realize I need the humble spirit of helping others through my example and prayer.

Your action following another person’s action is essential to good supervisory skills. You must react to situations - but allowing them to be simple reactions to the stimuli of one bad situation is not God’s instruction. Being grounded in the Word will enable you to draw His wisdom for each and every situation. Holding your actions to a higher standard will allow you to perform your work and your Christian duties in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

Matthew 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”