Tuesday, August 12, 2008

reacting vs. responding

I'm learning a tough lesson lately...what it means respond versus to react.

  • React - to change in response to a stimulus; to act in opposition to a force or influence; to move in a reverse direction; counteract; oppose; resist
  • Respond - to say something in return; to show favorable reaction; acknowledge; answer
I'm learning that I'm a "reactor" far more often than a "responder". It's one of those things that you see in yourself (or, in my case, someone close to you points it out) and immediately hate it. One of those characteristics that is a sharp, stabbing reminder of your humanness.

The good thing about that painful, shocking reminder is that it is also a reminder that of how deeply I need Jesus to cover me in His righteousness daily, hourly, and moment-by-moment. When I see such dirty, human things like that in myself, it challenges me to immerse myself even more in who Christ is so that I can chip away all of those icky "reactors" and reveal still, quiet, wise "responders" underneath.

I see those people in my life who have modeled negative "reacting", and it would be so easy to simply shift the blame to them and say it's their fault I'm a "reactor". The bottom line is that I'm a fallen human clothed in Christ's righteousness just like they are...I just have to be sure His righteousness is what covers me, and not vice versa.

The Lord continues to be such a patient teacher for stubborn girls like me!

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So refine me, Lord, with the flame!

I will bring praise! I will bring praise!
No weapon formed against me will remain.
I will rejoice! I will declare, "God is my
victory, and He is here!"
-Desert Song, Hillsong

6 comments:

Jessica said...

oops...haha

Jessica said...

I love how your posts are always honest, and how you share what the Lord has been teaching you...you have encouraged me numerous times!

And how fun that you got an SLR recently too! I went to pick mine up the other day, but they were out, so I'm off this afternoon to get my long waited for camera!

Jessica said...

I love how your posts are always honest, and how you share what the Lord has been teaching you...you have encouraged me numerous times!

And how fun that you got an SLR recently too! I went to pick mine up the other day, but they were out, so I'm off this afternoon to get my long waited for camera!

Kathie said...

Wow, good point. I spent too much of my lie being a negative reactor. It is only thru coming to know the Lord and allowing Him to transform my thoughts and words that I have made headway in overcoming this sin. I constantly am reminded..Be quick to listen, SLOW to speak and SLOW to become angry, because mans' anger does NOT bring about the righteous life God desires...(james 1:19) Thanks for your thoughtful insight.

Krista Sanders said...

Tori-- such wise words. I struggle with these VERY same things. My prayer for you is that you will have more of this figured out before you have kids- they just seem to magnify it. The sanctification process never ends. You are on a beautiful road and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Shannon said...

What a wonderful perspective you've been given on this - I loved reading this post! (And I, also, can completely relate!)