Acting and Reacting
Someone once said, “It’s not hard to act like a Christian; what’s hard it to react like a Christian.”
This is why scripture urges us to be slow in our reacting…
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19)
To pause and think and pray ahead of making decisions…
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:28-32).
To seek Lord for wisdom in how best to react…
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6).
Restraint and thoughtfulness may be especially essential during these days of home-boundedness. As many live with one another in closer than usual proximity we need to focus on living graciously together…
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:6)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another … as the Lord forgave you.” (Col. 3:12-13).
To use words with restraint… and gentleness…
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Prov. 27:27-28).
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1).
Hypocrites can act like Christians, but the Lord calls His children to react like Christians. Now is an ideal time to develop and grow Christlike responses within us.
Press on…
To view Pastor Andrew’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the page from the church website.
thebrokenrunner 
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