Respond don't React

When I began this forty-days of writing, I shared that part of the reason was for me to be prepared to respond to the results of the election. I was very careful in using the word “respond.”

Earlier in my life, I had a really bad temper. Every once in a while, it still rears its ugly head. Fortunately, most folks, particularly over the last 10 – 15 years, have never seen that side of me (although some who will read this definitely have!).

One of my dear friends and mentors in ministry was working with me to manage my temper when he gave me an incredible tool. When faced with a frustrating situation, repeat the mantra, “respond don’t react.”

Reaction is primal. It is a survival mechanism. It is “fight or flight.”

Response is thoughtful. Response is mindful. Response is measured. Response allows us to take into consideration the thoughts, feelings and needs of others.

In my experience, social media and the 24-hour news cycle have created a very reactive culture. It seems that some place more value on an immediate reaction that they do a measured response. This has never been more true than during this current election cycle.

Our level of anxiety contributes significantly to how well we can control whether we respond or react. This has been magnified as we have faced a global pandemic along with so many other challenges over the past six months.

I have to constantly work at the discipline of response. I have to learned to recognize what triggers my anger so that I am prepared to respond in a productive way.

The discipline of prayer goes hand in hand with the discipline of response. Prayer prepares us for the unexpected.

If the past six months is any indication, we need to expect the unexpected!

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Your speech should always be gracious and sprinkled with insight so that you may know how to respond to every person. Colossians 4:5-6