Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
I learn a lot from being a counselor. I have the opportunity to observe and interact with all kinds of people from a very intimate perspective. I see their problems and struggles in an up close and personal way.
This process has taught me a lot about people, myself included. One of my most recent lessons is that there are two kinds of people functioning in society.
Those who are reactive, and those who are proactive.
It might sound like a simple concept, but I've found that people who are proactive have a tendency thrive and blossom in this world- though it may bring struggles and strife, while people who are reactive are at the mercy of the world around them. Tossed to and fro by the waves of life. Unable to stand on their own two feet.
If you take some time to stop and think, you'll probably be amazed at how many things you do in life that are out of reaction.
Action: The phone rings.
Reaction: You answer it.
Action: Baby cries.
Reaction: You feed the baby.
Action: Spouse says something inconsiderate.
Reaction: Negative emotions lead to lashing out at them.
Action: Weight gain.
Reaction: Time to exercise.
Being reactive throughout our day is an inevitable process. Lots of things happen in life that force us to move and act one way or the other.
But what really sets people apart is the fact that some choose to lead their lives, while others choose to simply follow it.
Proactive people don't wait for something to make them move, instead, they create their way. They are the type of people who would never settle for less than what they know is best in their lives, no matter what life happens to throw at them.
Proactive people are the ones who would never be caught saying:
"It will happen if it's meant to happen"- because they would be out there doing it.
"He will break up with me if he's not the one"- instead would be finding out the dynamics of the relationship and doing the breaking up.
"No one calls me, and I'm feeling lonely"- rather, the phone would be in their hand making calls and setting up plans.
"The right job will land in my lap"- because they would be setting up interviews and passing our resumes.
God calls us to live this life, to lead this life, and to direct this life. All throughout the Scriptures He uses proactive words like "go, do, pray, make, work, be".
Not only that, but the greatest example of a proactive life is the life of precious Jesus, who took it upon Himself to step into history in order to change the future...rather than wait around to see what would happen.
The challenge I'm faced with is this: we are in charge of directing our lives and responsible for where our lives go. Let us see our lives as valuable enough that they are worth investing in. Let us take charge of the things we can change, stepping into our worlds and changing our futures rather than let this world force us into places that we were never intended to go.
Let's choose to live this life proactively for a God who lives proactively for us.
